Dandelion

The dandelion is a perennial plant with an almost worldwide distribution. While many individuals consider the dandelion to be an unwanted weed, herbalists all over the world have revered this valuable herb. Its common name, dandelion, is a corruption of the French for “tooth of the lion” (dent-de-lion). This...

Cucumbers

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are cylindrical in shape and commonly range in length from about 6 to 9 inches, although they can be smaller or much larger. Their skin ranges in color from green to white and may be either smooth or ridged, depending upon the variety. Inside a cucumber is a very...

Celery

Celery is a member of the Umbelliferae family, along with carrots, parsley, and fennel. It is a biennial vegetable, meaning it has a normal growing cycle of once every two years. While most people associate celery with its stalks, its leaves, roots, and seeds are also used as food and seasoning. Celery...

Cabbage

Cabbage is the “king” of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnips, and other common vegetables. The members of this family of vegetables are currently receiving much attention...

Carrots

The carrot is a plant with a thick, fleshy, deeply colored root that grows underground and feathery green leaves that emerge above ground. It is known scientifically as Daucus carota, a name that can be traced back to ancient Roman writings of the third century B.C.E. Carrots belong to the Umbelliferae...

Brussels Spouts

Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts developed from the wild cabbage. They resemble miniature cabbages, with a diameter of about 1 inch. Brussels sprouts grow underground in bunches of twenty to forty on the stems of plants that grow as high as three feet tall. Brussels sprouts are typically sage...

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Cauliflower has a compact head called a “curd,” which is composed of undeveloped flower buds. The curd averages 6 inches in diameter. The flower buds are attached to a central stalk, and when...