Although it might come as something of a surprise, if you count both wild varieties and cultivars that have been developed by man there over 1,000 types of pecans currently in existence, and more are being worked on by horticulturists even as you read these words. Botanically, the pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a member … Read more
Ginger is an extremely versatile plant that is popular for a variety of reasons throughout the world. The root (or rhizome) of some varieties of ginger is used as a spice or flavoring in all sorts of culinary applications and is sold throughout the world in fresh, ground, powdered, paste and other forms, while other … Read more
For many people, nothing announces the advent of summer more cheerfully than the appearance of fresh strawberries in their local market or garden. One of the most well-loved and versatile fruits out there, strawberries are a favorite throughout the planet and are an economically important plant in many parts of the world. Including both wild … Read more
Vitamins are important to consume for many reasons. They not only help to keep your body healthy, but active and energetic as well. While you can buy vitamins at various stores, sometimes the selection isn’t always the best. The products might be limited due to a lack of space or because the store doesn’t specialize … Read more
Basil is one of the most commonly used culinary herbs on earth, and most of us are familiar with it due to its use in popular recipes such as Italian pesto. However, throughout its long history with mankind, fresh basil has been used (and in some cases is still used) in a wide variety of … Read more
Mushrooms – or at the very least something very close to mushrooms – are believed to have existed on the earth long before even the dinosaurs evolved. Some paleontologists believe that, at one time, relatives of today’s mushrooms might have been the largest living things on planet. Though somewhat unappetizing-sounding, mushrooms are botanically classified as … Read more
While it has been a popular fruit for decades – primarily as the basic component in guacamole and other dips – the avocado has undergone a surge of popularity in recent years; so much so that there are actual avocado shortages from time to time. Its relatively recent designation (at least for marketing purposes) as … Read more
When most people in the United States – and some other parts of the world – think of a tomato, the picture that first comes to mind is of a large, red, succulent, round vegetable. In actuality, however, tomatoes come in a very diverse assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors – including white, yellow, orange, … Read more
As is the case with so many other types of foods, cilantro is something that many people either like or dislike intensely. Unlike other foods, however, disliking cilantro may not simply be a matter of preference. For some people, it is actually believed to be a matter of genetics. Cilantro is the name given in … Read more
While not a particularly important crop commercially or economically in most parts of the world (and certainly nowhere near as widely cultivated as bulb or ‘standard’ onions), green onions are grown on every continent with the exception of Antarctica, and are a favorite component of many and varied cuisines. They are most widely used in … Read more