Brigitte MarsLettuce (Lactuca sativa) is native to central Asia, and a member of the Asteraceae (Daisy) Family, making it a relative of sunflowers and artichokes. The genus name Lactuca is from the Latin lac, meaning, “milk” based on the milky white...
Corn (Zea Mays) is technically a grain, not vegetable. Corn is a member of the Poaceae (Grass) Family. The genus name, zea is from the Greek, meaning grain. The word corn throughout history has meant a grain sized lump. In England, corn means wheat...
Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccus, V. macrocarpon) are members of the Ericaceae (Heath) Family and a relative of blueberries. The genus name, vaccinium is from the Latin vaca, meaning, “cow” as they enjoy this plant. Also known as...
Cucumbers (Curcumis sativus, C. melo, C. citrullus) are members of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family, making them relatives of zucchini and melons. The genus name Curcumis is from the Latin word for “gourd.” The species name sativus...
Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are the fruit of a date palm, and member of the Palmaceae (Palm) Family. The genus name, Theorists gave phoenix, perhaps in reference to the mythological phoenix that rises from the ashes, as the date has its roots in the...
Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a member of the Bombaceae (Durian) Family. The genus name is from the Malaysian duri, meaning spike, in reference to the sharp spines. Every year, people are killed by falling durians. The species name zibethinus means...
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...
Endive (Cichorium endiva) and escarole (Cichorium species) are members of the Asteraceae (Daisy) Family and native to Eurasia and northern Africa. Colonists brought the plants to North America and Thomas Jefferson, amongst others, grew it as a...
Figs (Ficus carica) are members of the Moraceae (Mulberry) Family. Native to the area of the Middle East and Mediterranean, they are mentioned frequently in The Bible. Buddha became enlightened while sitting under a bo tree, a species of fig (Ficus...
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...
