Plants

African cuisine boasts a vibrant array of vegetables that are staples across the continent. Green leafy plants hold a central place in daily meals, often served alongside staples like maize, rice, or yams. These vegetables are typically rich in nutrients and offer a natural source of vitamins and minerals, supporting both flavor and health. They … Read more

Green vegetables encompass a wide range of edible plants, prized for their vibrant hues and diverse textures. They grow as leafy greens, crunchy stems, tender pods, or compact heads, offering flavors from mild and sweet to peppery and bitter. Their adaptability spans climates, from cool temperate zones to tropical regions, making them staples in gardens … Read more

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family, also known as the carrot or parsley family, which includes relatives like carrots (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens), and dill (Anethum graveolens). Classified under the genus Foeniculum, its primary edible species is F. vulgare, with two main varieties: F. vulgare var. vulgare (wild … Read more

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a perennial aquatic plant in the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the mustard or cabbage family, alongside relatives like broccoli, kale, and radishes. It’s classified under the genus Nasturtium, distinct from the ornamental nasturtium (Tropaeolum), with N. officinale being the primary edible species. As a dicot, it features broad leaves and … Read more

Pepinos, scientifically classified as Solanum muricatum, belong to the Solanaceae family, commonly known as the nightshade family, which includes relatives like tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), eggplants (Solanum melongena), and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). This evergreen shrub produces a berry—technically a fruit, not a vegetable—despite its cucumber-like name in Spanish (“pepino” means cucumber). It’s a diploid species (2n … Read more

Peas (Pisum sativum) belong to the Fabaceae family, or legume family, alongside beans and lentils. They’re annual herbaceous plants in the genus Pisum, with P. sativum encompassing garden, snow, and snap peas. As dicots, they produce seeds in pods, with varieties differing in pod edibility. Note: Field peas like black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) are a … Read more

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family, or buckthorn family, within the genus Ziziphus. It’s a deciduous shrub or small tree, typically thorny, and classified as a drupe-producing species. The fruit contains a single hard pit, akin to olives or dates, and the plant is closely related to species like Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian jujube). … Read more

Dates belong to the Arecaceae family, commonly known as the palm family, under the genus Phoenix. The species Phoenix dactylifera is the cultivated date palm, distinguished from wild relatives like Phoenix sylvestris. It’s a dioecious monocot, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees, requiring pollination (often manual) for fruit production. The fruit, a … Read more

Corn, scientifically known as Zea mays, belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly called the grass family, which includes wheat, rice, and barley. It’s classified under the subfamily Panicoideae and the tribe Andropogoneae, closely related to sorghum and sugarcane. As an annual monocot, it features a single seed leaf and a fibrous root system. The genus … Read more

Originating from Central and South America, they were domesticated thousands of years ago before spreading across the globe through exploration and trade. Today, they thrive in warm climates and are cultivated in countless regions of the world. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and are known for their crisp texture and mild, sweet … Read more