Brigitte MarsWatercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a member of the Brassicaeae (Mustard) Family, making it a relative of cabbage and radish. The genus name is from the Latin, nasus tortus, and meaning “writhing nose” in reference to the pungent...
Watermelon (Citrullus lannatus, C, vulgaris) is a member of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family and native of Africa. Watermelon is cold, sweet and refreshing and provides a safe reliable fluid in many desert regions of the world. Watermelon is...
Winter Squash (Curcurbita maxima) is a member of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family. They originated Central America. The word “squash” is from a Narragansett and Iroquois word, askutasquash and isquoutersquash. Winter squashes include...
Raspberries (Rubus species) are members of the Rose family in which apples, peaches, plums and strawberries are also included. Technically, raspberries are not a true fruit, but a cluster of druplets surrounded by many small round seeded fruits...
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...
Onions (Allium cepa) are members of the Liliaceae (Lily) Family, making them relatives of garlic and leeks and scallions. The genus name cepa, is from its old Latin name. Native to Asia, they are one of the planet’s oldest cultivated foods...
Oranges (Citrus sinensis, C., aurantium, C. reticulata (Tangerine), are native to Asia. They are native to the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. Some authorities believe the English word orange is from the Sanskrit nararunga, meaning, “fruit favored...
Papaya (Carica papaya) is a member of the Caricaceae (Paw Paw) Family and native to Central America. In Cuba “papaya’ is slang for “female fruit” or “female genitalia,” as the shrub, resembling a palm, has male...
Peas (Pisum sativum) are members of the Fabaceae (Pea) Family, making them relatives of beans and peanuts. The genus name, Pisum is from the ancient Greek and Latin word for this vegetable. Sativum, the species name, means “with a long history...
Peaches (Prunus persica, P. vulgaris) are a member of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family and a close relative of almonds and apples. Nectarines are basically peaches, without the fuzz. Peaches are believed to be native to China, though they were originally...
