Plums (Prunus domestica) are a member of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family, making them a close relative of apricots and peaches. Believed to have originated in western Asia, in Chinese mythology, plums symbolize wisdom, longevity and resurrection. Plums...
Limes (Citrus hystrix, C. aurantifolius, C. latifolia) are members of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. Limes are believed native to the Southeast Asia. The word lime is derived from the Arabic lim. In 1753, the Scottish naval surgeon, James Lind...
Pomegrates (Punica granatum) are native to South Asia, the pomegranate is a member of the Lythraceae (Henna) Family and believed to be a native of Iran. The name, pomegranate comes from the Latin, meaning “apple with many seeds.” Its red...
Litchis, also spelled lychee, and lichi (Litchi chinensis) are members of the Sapindaceae (Soapberry) Family. When dried, they are then called lychee nuts. The genus name is from the common Chinese name and the species name, chinensis, means that...
Pumpkins (Curcurbita pepo) are members of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family, and a relative of melons and squash. Their genus is from the Latin for gourd and species name is derived from the Greek word for “Sun ripened.” Originating in...
Lycii berries (Lycium chinense), pronounced Lee-Chee, are members of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) Family and also known as Wolfberry and Goji Berry. Properties: They are considered sweet and neutral. Lycii helps remove toxins from the blood by...
Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a member of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) Family and originated from western Asia. The genus name Raphanus is derived from Greek, meaning, “easily raised.” The word radish comes from the Latin radix, meaning...
Mango (Mangifera indica) is a member of the Anacardiaceae (Cashew) Family, making it a relative of cashew, pistachio and poison ivy. The Latin name translates to “the great fruit bearer of India.” Considered one of the planet’s...
Okra (Hibiscus esculentus) is also known as gumbo and lady’s fingers. It is a member of the Malvaceae (Malva) Family, which makes it a relative of cotton, hibiscus and hollyhock. Okra is native to Africa, probably near Ethiopia. The word okra...
Eggplants (Solanum melongena) are members of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family, making them relative to tomato, green pepper and tobacco. It’s species name, melongena, means “soothing mad apple,” as it once had a reputation of...
Brigitte Mars