Brigitte MarsGreen (Phaseolus vulgaris) and yellow beans, also known as snap beans are believed to be native to Central or South America and there are over 150 varieties cultivated today. All beans are members of the Fabaceae (Pea) Family and relatives of...
Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are an edible root and member of the Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory) Family. They are not related to common white potatoes, which are in the Nightshade family. The genus name, Ipomoea is from the Greek ips, meaning...
There are a multitude of summer squash varieties that are closely related to the popular zucchini (Curcurbita pepo) (called marrow by the British and courgette by the French), including yellow squash, yellow crookneck, and pattypan squash. They are...
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris cicl) is a member of the Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot) Family. The genus name beta is derived from the Greek letter beta and vulgaris means “common.” Cicula is from sicula referring to Sicily one of places where...
Persimmons (Diospyros virginiana, D. kaki) are members of the Ebenaceae (Ebony) Family. The genus name, Diospyros comes from the Greek, dios and pyros, meaning “grain, ” hence the meaning “God’s grain.” In Europe...
Pineapple (Ananas comosus,) is native to Brazil or Paraguay, and known to the Indians as na-na, meaning “fragrance.” Columbus encountered it on the island of Guadalupe. The Spaniards referred to it as “pina” due to its...
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...
