Brigitte MarsOnions (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...
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi, C. decumana) is the largest member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. Grapefruit was grown in India and Malaysia more than 4,000 years ago; however, grapefruit was “discovered” on Barbados and by 1880, had...
Grapes (Vitis vinifera), members of the Vitaceae (Grape) Family, are one of the planet’s earliest cultivated foods. The genus name, vitis refers to “vine” and the species name, vinifera means, “wine bearing.” Believed...
Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus, P. tuberosus), (pronounced HEE-ka-ma), is native to Central America, where it is also known as Yam Bean or Mexican Turnip. The genus name, Pachyrhizus is derived from the Greek and means “thick root.” The...
Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a member of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) Family, making it a relative of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Native to Asia Minor, it is considered the closest relative to wild cabbage. The species name, oleracea means...
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a member of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family and a relative of dill and carrots. The genus name, is derived from the Latin, apis, meaning bee, as bees are attracted to its small white flowers. The species name gravelones...
Kiwifruits (Actinida chinensis), are a member of the Actinidiaceae (Kiwi) Family, and developed from a smaller, less flavorful Chinese gooseberry. The genus name Actinida is from the Greek aktin, meaning, “ray,” describing the ray-like...
Chayote (Sechium edule) (pronounced chy-O-tay) is also known mirliton, vegetable pear, sapote, huisquil, mango squash, pear squash, and custard marrow. It is a member of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family. It has a flavor considered a blend of apple...
