Brigitte MarsKale (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...
Kumquat (Fortunella margarita) looks like a miniature orange and like its relative, is a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family and native to China. Kumquat is named in honor of an English traveler, Robert Fortune who collected plants for the Royal...
Cherries (Prunus avium, P. cerasus) are members of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family, and relatives of apples and strawberries. The species name, avium means “for the birds”. Cherries are native to Eurasia. In ancient Greece, cherries were...
Lemons (Citrus limon) are native to Southeast Asia and a member of the Rutaceae family. The storage capacity of lemons and limes made them useful for sailors who took them on long sea voyages to prevent scurvy (hence the sailor’s nickname...
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are members of the Liliaceae (Lily) Family, which makes them closely related to garlic and onions. The species name schoenoprasum is derived from two Greek words: schoinos, meaning reed-like and prason, meaning leek...
Lettuce (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...
