Cucumbers are in the genus Cucumis L. or melon P of the species Cucumis sativus L commonly known as the garden cucumber P. The plant is believed to have originated in western Asia in India and regions of the Middle East. Cucumbers have been documented in the legend of Gilgamesh in 2500 B.C.E.
Butter lettuce is a member of the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the Aster family of the genus Lactuca L. or lettuce P. The United States Department of Agriculture lists butter lettuce as the species Lactuca sativa L. or garden lettuce P.
Cancer is a horrific disease that continues to kill over 595,000 people each year. While there’s no cure for it yet, there are plenty of natural and dietary options that can help reduce your risk of being diagnosed. There’s no singular way to prevent cancer, but changing your habits can help.
Apricots are a member of the family Rosaceae, commonly known as the Rose family of the genus Prunus L. or plum P. Its species names is Prunus armeniaca L. or apricot P. The nomenclature apricot is said to be derived from the Italian word “albercocco.” The fruit is considered a dupe and is related to the cherry, plum, nectarine, peach, and almond.
Fiddleheads are a growth stage in the life cycle of the fern that is a member of the family Dryopteridaceae, commonly known as the Wood Fern family of the genus Matteuccia Todaro or ostrich fern P. whose species name is Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro. Though several immature fern fronds are eaten, the oyster and cinnamon ferns are the only ones that are definitely edible.
Carrots are a member of the family Apiaceae, commonly known as the carrot family. Carrots are in the genus Daucus L., which contains two species and two varieties. Fossils of carrots have been found in prehistoric lake dwellings in Switzerland and were grown in the royal garden in Babylon in the 8th century B.C. E. Carrots are thought to have been cultivated for their leaves and seeds, as there is no evidence to show the root was eaten. The plant is related to parsley, dill, celery, and parsnips, and in Europe it was a white root.
For thousands of years, indigenous peoples of the Peruvian portion of the Amazon Basin in South America have cultivated an amazing plant that is a powerhouse of nutrients.
Butternut squash is abundant ‘round these parts lately. It’s in our CSA box, at the farmers market, at the grocery store and the farm stand. I’m not complaining! Butternut squash is a delicious and versatile ingredient that I enjoy cooking with (even if I still struggle to cut it open sometimes). I often make some version of a butternut squash risotto, but this recipe is a delightful twist on
Grapes are a member of the Vitaceae family that has eleven genera. This fruit bearing genus is Vitus, which has approximately sixty species. The plant was cultivated by humans around 6500 B.C.E. and by 4000 B.C.E. the grape could be found in vineyards from Transcaucasia east to Asia Minor and south to the Nile river delta. The grape existed long before humans walked the earth and could be found throughout the world. The Old World grapes were used as a snack food and dried to make raisins, but in Europe the main use of the grape was to make wine.
