Brigitte MarsCherries (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...
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...
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...
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...
Apples, native to Eurasia, are members of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family, relatives of peaches and pears, and are known botanically as (Malus species). Malus is the Greek term for “round fruit.” Apples were traditionally hung on Yule trees to symbolize...
Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are members of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family, making them a relative of apple, peach and plum. They are believed to have originated in China, and that Alexander the Great brought them to Greece around the fourth century B.C...
Avocado (Persea americana, P. gratissima) is a member of the Lauraceae (Laurel) Family, and sometimes referred to as alligator pear. Avocado is technically a fruit, but combines well with both fruit and vegetables. Native to Central America, it...
Bananas (Musa acuminata, M. sapientum) are native to Malaysia, India, tropical Africa and Australia. Technically, bananas are not from a tree, but from a large perennial herb. They are members of the Musaceae (Banana) Family. They are the second...
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis) is a member of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) Family, and a close relative of cabbage and broccoli. It is derived from wild cabbages and its name literally means “cabbage flower.” Cauliflower is...
Louise HaglerQuinoa is the high quality, complete protein grain of the Incas, sometimes known as the "mother grain or seed" in the Andes where it has been a staple for over 5000 years. It was so central to Incan religious culture that its’ cultivation was banned...
