History of Vegetables

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Origin And History of VegetablesByMr.Allah Dad Khan

Vegetable.Anything that has growth without sensation, as plants. Vegetables are organized bodies consisting of various parts, containing vessels furnished with different juices; and taking in their nourishment from without, usually by means of a root, by which they are fixed to the earth, or to some body, as in the generality of plants, sometimes by means of pores distributed over the whole surface, as in sub-marine plants

Vegetable"Vegetablesare the roots, tubers, stems, leaves, leaf stalks, seeds, seedpods, and flour heads of plants that may be safely eaten. Vegetables commonly include a number of foods that botanically are classified as fruits, such as tomatoes. Their culinary application is the guiding principle for placing them in this section, rather than the previous one.

Origin and History of Amaranths

Amaranth is an old cultivated crop originating on American continent. The Aztecs, Incas and Mayas considered amaranth as their staple food together with maize and beans. It used to be one of the most important crops in America before Spanish colonialists conquered it and further cultivation of the crop was banned. Amaranth was preserved on hard to reach places of mountainous Central and South America. Amaranth was first introduced as an ornamental plant in Europe in the 16th century. Different species of amaranth spread throughout the world during 17th, 18th and 19th century. In India, China and under the harsh conditions of Himalayas this plant became important grain and/or vegetable crop.

Origin and History of ArtichokesArtichokes are native to the Mediterranean. They were eaten by the Greeks and Romans and later by the Arabs. However after the fall of Rome artichokes were rare in Europe until the 15th century when they were grown in Italy. From there artichokes spread to the rest of Europe.

Origin and History of AsparagusAsparagus is native to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Asparagus was grown by the Greeks and Romans and it became a popular vegetable in Europe in the 16th century.The ancient Greeks cooked and ate wild asparagus about 2500 years ago

Origin and History of BasilBasil is native to India but it was known to the Greeks and the Romans. From the 16th century basil was used to make pesto sauce in Italy.

Origin and History of BeansBroad beans are native to the Middle East and South Asia. They were known to the Ancient Greeks and they have been eaten in Europe ever since..

Origin and History of BeetsBeetroot is descended from wild sea beet, which grew around Europe and Asia. The Romans grew beetroot but as a medicine rather than a food. From the 16th century people in Europe grew beetroot as a vegetable.

Origin and History of BroccoliIt is not known for certain when broccoli was first eaten. The Romans ate a vegetable thatmayhave been broccoli. It was certainly eaten in France and Italy in the 16th century. Broccoli was introduced into in England in the 18th century. It first became popular in the USA in the 1920s.

Origin and History of Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts became popular in most of Europe in the 16th century. They became popular in England in the 17th century. Brussels sprouts were grown in the USA from the 19th century.

Origin and History of Bitter GourdNative to tropical Asia, the bitter gourd has a long history dating back to about 600 years in China. The Chinese associated the bitter gourd as a beneficial vegetable for medicinal purposes, particularly for those suffering from diabetes. Additionally, it was used as a folk remedy for curing tumors, asthma, skin infections, GI problems, and hypertension. Not just China, the medicinal benefits of bitter gourd were highly treasured in India, Africa, and southeastern US as well. It is widely spread across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. Today, this bitter yet healthful vegetable is commercially cultivated in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Philippines, Malaysia, South America, and the Caribbean.

Origin and History of Bottle Gourd Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. (bottle gourd) is pantropic and displays large variation in fruit and seed shape. Two subspecies are currently recognized: the African L. siceraria ssp. siceraria and the Asian L. siceraria ssp. asiatica. The Asian type of bottle gourd belongs to the earliest domesticated plants in the Americas. In Europe, bottle gourd only appears with some frequency from the Roman period onwards. The paper is the study of ancient DNA (aDNA) and seed morphology of one almost complete bottle gourd fruit from the Roman site of Oedenburg/BiesheimKunheim, France (1st century a.d.), and from individual seed finds from the Roman vicus of PetinescaVorderberg, Switzerland (3rd century a.d.), both recovered from waterlogged layers

Origin and History of CabbageCabbages are native to southern Europe. They were grown by the Greeks and the Romans and in Europe they have been a popular vegetable ever since. Cabbages were brought to North America in the 16th century.

Origin and History of CantaloupeSome food historians believe that cultivation of cantaloupes date back to the Biblical period in Egypt and Greece, while others believe it was first cultivated in Persia, Armenia, and India. This fruit, which was depicted in Egyptian paintings dating back to the Biblical period was identified as a melon, although there was no distinction in ancient times between the netted and non-netted variety of cantaloupes. In ancient times, the Romans got their supply of melons from Armenia. "Apicius", a collection of ancient Roman recipes indicated the use of melons. The size of these fruits was small as compared to the ones we see today.

Origin and History of Cardamom

Cardamom is native to India but it was exported and it was known to the Greeks and theRomans. Cardamom was used as a medicine as well as a food. It became common in Europe in the 17th century when it was brought by sea from India.

Origin and History of CarrotsCarrots are native to Asia and spread to the Mediterranean area. Carrots were grown in Europe in the Middle Ages they and have been popular ever since.

Origin and History of CauliflowerCauliflower is believed to come from Asia Minor. In Europe they were first eaten in Italy. However in the 16th century the cauliflower spread throughout Europe. Cauliflower was first grown in North America in the late 17th century.

Origin and History of CeleryCelery is native to the Mediterranean. Wild celery was known to the Greeks and Romans. However cultivation of celery only began in Europe in the 17th century.

Origin and History of ChiliesChilies are from Central America where they have been grown for thousands of years. The Aztecs were fond of chilies and the Spanish brought them back to Europe. Chilies came to England in 1548.

Origin and History of cinnamonCinnamon is native to Sri Lanka. It was known in Ancient China. It was also known to the Ancient Egyptians and the Romans. Like many spices cinnamon was used as a medicine as well as a food. It was used to treat many complaints including colds and flu. However like all spices cinnamon was very expensive, especially in the Middle Ages. In the 16th century the Portuguese reached Sri Lanka by sea and were able to import cinnamon that way. It remained a luxury but was not as costly as it once was.

Origin and History ColocasiaTaro was probably first native to the lowlandwetlandsofMalaysia(taloes). Estimates are that taro was in cultivation in wet tropicalIndiabefore 5000 BC, presumably coming from Malaysia, and from India further transported westward to ancientEgypt, where it was described byGreekandRomanhistorians as an important crop. In India, it is known as "Gaderi", with smaller ones called "arbi" or "arvi" being more common and popular. InIndonesia, it is calledtalasorkeladi.

Origin and History of Cloves

Cloves are native to Indonesia but they were known to the Romans and to the Ancient Chinese. They were popular in Europe in the Middle Ages and when the Portuguese reached Southeast Asia by sea the price came down. Cloves were also used as a medicine. (In Europe they were used to treat toothache). Cloves are now grown in East Africa and in Brazil

Origin and History of Coriander

Coriander was grown by the Greeks and the Romans. It was also popular in Medieval Europe. For centuries coriander was used as a medicine and it was believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Origin and History of courgetteA courgette is a type of squash and if it isn't picked early, it grows into a marrow! Courgettes grow on bushes. They look quite like cucumbers and have very soft seeds. They can be cooked with onions, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers to make ratatouille. The American name for a courgette is 'zucchini

Origin and History of Cow PeasIn America, these beans are often called black-eyed peas or cow peas. They each have a little black dot on the side - this is where they were once attached to their pod, so it's a bit like a belly button! You can mix them with all sorts of other beans to make a super salad - See more at: http://www.greatgrubclub.com/a-z-fruit-veg#.Vxpl7vl97IU

Origin and History of Cumin

Cumin is native to the Mediterranean region and it was well known inAncient Egyptas well as in Greece and Rome. Cumin was also a common spice in the Middle Ages in Europe. As well as being used in food cumin was also a medicine.

Origin and History of Cucumber Cucumbers are native to south Asia. They were grown by the Greeks and Romans. Cucumbers were also grown in England in the Middle Ages. The Spaniards introduced cucumbers into the New World in 1494.

Origin and History of DillDillDill is native to Western Asia. It was used a medicine by the Ancient Egyptians. It was also known to the Romans and to Medieval Europeans

Origin and History of EndiveEndive is a member of the lettuce family. It is shaped like a bulb and has leaves that overlap each other - try peeling them off one by one to see how many there are. The leaves are a bit bitter on their own but they are delicious in a salad mixed with sweet tomatoes and slices of orange. - See more at: http://www.greatgrubclub.com/a-z-fruit-veg#.Vxpl7vl97IU

Origin and History Kidney BeansKidney Beans are native to South America. They were common in England by the mid-16th Century.

Origin and History of Egg PlantEggplant or aubergine (Solanum melongena L., Solanaceae), is indigenous to a vast area stretching from northeast India and Burma, to Northern Thailand, Laos, Viet Nam and Southwest China and wild plants can still be found in these locations.

Origin and History of FennelThe history of fennel goes back to ancient times as it was easily accessible throughout the Mediterranean Basin. Roman warriors are said to have consumed fennel to make them strong. It was also thought to have the power to help people keep thin. Its Greek namemarathon, which means "grow thin", reflects the belief in its ability to suppress appetite. The town of Marathon, site of the famous battle between the Athenians and the Persians, means "place of fennel". After the battle, the Athenians used woven fennel stalks as a symbol of victory.

Origin and History of Fenue Greek Fenugreek has a long history as both a culinary and medicinal herb in the ancient world. It was one of the spices the Egyptians used for embalming, and the Greeks and Romans used it for cattle fodder (hence the Latinfoenum graecummeaning Greek hay). It was grown extensively in the imperial gardens of Charlemagne.

Origin and History of GarlicGarlic is native to Central Asia. It was known in Ancient Egypt and also in India and China. Garlic was also grown by the Greeks and the Romans. For centuries garlic was used as a medicine (among its other uses garlic is a strong antiseptic). Garlic was also believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Origin and History of GingerGinger is native to Southeast Asia. It was known in ancient China and India and from the Middle Ages was used in Europe. However for centuries ginger was used as a medicine far more than for flavoring food. In Europe ginger was not widely used as a food until the 16th century.

Origin and History of KaleKale has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. In much of Europe it was the most widely eaten green vegetable until the Middle Ages when cabbages became more popular. Historically it has been particularly important in colder regions due to its resistance to frost. In nineteenth century Scotlandkailwas used as a generic term for 'dinner' and all kitchens featured akail-potfor cooking.

Origin and History of Kohlrabi Kohlrabi originated in northwestern Europe most likely in Germany. In fact, the name kohlrabi is made up of two German words: kohl meaning cabbage and rbe meaning turnip. The word kohlrabi literally translates to cabbage turnip. This name is very appropriate as kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family but has a large edible bulb that resembles a turnip. However, unlike the turnip, kohlrabi is not a root vegetable. The large bulb is actually part of the stem, not the root system. Kohlrabi was being grown throughout Germany, England, Italy, and Spain by the early 1600s but it did not make its way to the United States until the 1800s. Records show that kohlrabi has been growing in the US since 1806. Kohlrabi is not an extremely popular crop in the US, but can be found in grocery stores especially during late summer and early fall.

Origin and History of Kulfa Widely used in East Mediterranean countries, archaeobotanical finds are common at manyprehistoricsites. Inhistoriccontexts, seeds have been retrieved from aprotogeometriclayer inKastanas, as well as from theSamian Heraiondating to seventh century BC. In the fourth century BC,Theophrastusnames purslane,andrkhne(), as one of the several summer pot herbs that must be sown in April (H.P7.12).[4]AsPortulacait figures in the long list of comestibles enjoyed by the Milanese given byBonvesin de la Rivain his "Marvels of Milan" (1288).[5]

Origin and History of LettuceLettuce is an ancient vegetable. It is native to the Mediterranean area. The Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans ate lettuce. The Spaniards took lettuce to the New World.

Origin and History of LeeksLeeks are believed to be native to central Asia. They were grown by the Egyptians. The Greeks and Romans also grew leeks and the Romans are believed to have introduced them to Britain. The leek is the symbol of Wales. According to legend Welsh soldiers wore a leek in their caps to distinguish themselves from their Saxon enemies during a battle.

Origin and History of MustardMustard was well known in the Ancient Middle East and it is mentioned in the Bible. The Romans also grew mustard and they introduced it into the parts of Europe they conquered. In the Middle Ages mustard was a popular condiment in Europe. At first English mustard consisted of coarse powder and it was not very strong. However in 1720 a Mrs Clements of Durham, England began making a much smoother mustard powder. When mixed with water to make paste it was very hot but it proved to be popular and Durham became a center of the mustard industry. (For centuries mustard was used as a medicine as well as a food).

Origin and History of MelonsThemelonis probably native to Africa, even though some researchers think that it is native to Asia, and more precisely from the ancient Persia.

Origin and History of MintMint was well known to the Ancient Greeks and to the Romans. It was also a popular herb in Europe in the Middle Ages. Like many herbs mint was used as a medicine as well as a food.

Origin and History of NutmegNutmeg comes from Indonesia. It was very popular in Europe in the Middle Ages and at that time it was obtained from the Arabs. However in the 16th century Europeans began to sail to Southeast Asia and import nutmeg by sea. Like other spices nutmeg was believed to have many medicinal uses.

Origin and History of OkraOkra probably originated somewhere around Ethiopia, and was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians by the 12th century B.C. Its cultivation spread throughout North Africa and the Middle East. The seed pods were eaten cooked, and the seeds were toasted and ground, used as a coffee substitute (and still is).

Origin and History of Onion It is not known for certain where onions come from but it was probably Asia. Onions were one of the first vegetables grown by people. They were eaten by the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans. During the Middle Ages onions were one of the staple foods of people in Europe

Origin and History of ParsleyParsley is native to the Mediterranean area. It was grown by the Greeks and the Romans and in Medieval Europe. However like most herbs parsley was used as a medicine as well as a food.

Origin and History of Parsnips Parsnips are thought to be native to the Mediterranean region. The Romans grew them and they were a popular vegetable in the Middle Ages. However in England parsnips became less popular once potatoes became common in the 18th century.The Romans grew parsnips and made them into stews and soup in Italy about 2300 years ago

Origin and History of PeasPeas are native to Asia and they were one of the earliest vegetables grown by human beings. The Greeks and Romans grew peas and during the Middle Ages peas were an important part of the diet of ordinary people in Europe.

Origin and History of PeppersPepper is native to India. It was known to the Romans and was popular in Europe in the Middle Ages, although it was very expensive. In the 16th century the Portuguese began to import pepper from India by sea, which brought its price down. For centuries pepper was used as a medicine for digestive complaints as well as a spice.

Origin and History of PotatoesPotatoes are native to South America and they were grown by the native people for thousands of years before Europeans discovered them. The Spaniards took potatoes to Europe in the 16th century and they were first introduced to England in 1586. However at first potatoes were regarded as a strange vegetable and they were not commonly grown in Europe until the 18th century. In the 1840s potatoes in Ireland were afflicted by potato blight and the result was a terrible famine as the people had come to rely on potatoes for their staple food.

Origin and History of PumpkinsPumpkins are native to central America. The Native Americans used them as a staple food. Pumpkins were adopted as a food by European colonists. Meanwhile Christopher Columbus brought pumpkin seeds to Europe.

Origin and History of RadishesRadishes are native to Asia. They were grown by the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans. Radishes were taken to the New World in the 16th century. The word radish comes from the Latin word radix, meaning root.

Origin and History of RhubarbThere is no record of common culinaryrhubarb prior to the 1800s. Widespread consumption of rhubarb stalksbegan in Britain in the early 19thcentury with itspopular adoption as an ingredient indesserts and wine making. Since then rhubarbs popularity grew to a peak justbefore World War II in what Foust1called rhubarb mania. It was always more popular in Britain and the U.S. than elsewherebut rhubarb also achieved noteworthy popularity in Australia and New Zealand. Culinary usesalso spread to northern Europe. At its mostpopular commercial quantities of rhubarb were grownoutdoors as well asin greenhouses anddark cellars. Culinary use dropped dramaticallyduring WWII, possiblyasa direct result of thedepravations of war, most notably the rationing of sugar.

Origin and History of SageSage is a native of the Mediterranean area. It was known to the Greeks and the Romans. However like many herbs sage was, for centuries far more commonly used as a medicine rather than for food.

Origin and History of ShallotsShallotsare native to Mediterranean region and Israel. They are not found in wild so it has been concluded that these must have been cultivated. Theshallotswe eat today are the same variety that have been used thousands of years back. They seemed to have originated from, the village of Ashkelon in Palestine though there have been recent changes to this and their birth place is considered to be Asia. , Around the 12thcentury, the Crusaders brought shallots with themto Europe.

Origin and History of Snake Gourd Snake gourds are native to southeastern Asia, Australia and the islands of the Western Pacific. Originally domesticated in India, the serpent-like gourd can be found growing in Africa and other tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. Botanically known as Trichosanthes cucumerina, Snake gourd seeds traveled from China to Europe via traders in the early 18th century, and were believed to have been planted at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson in 1820. - See more at: http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Snake_Gourd_11501.php#sthash.Lo3QNGyn.dpuf

Origin and History of SpinachSpinach is native to Asia. However it was unknown to the Greeks and Romans. It was first grown in Persia. Later it was grown by both the Arabs and the Chinese. The Arabs introduced spinach to southern Europe and by the 14th century it was eaten in England.

Origin and History of Sponge Gourdthe Sponge gourd is also known as the "Luffa" Sponge gourd and is botanically known at Luffa aegyptiaca. A member of the Curcurbitaceae (Cucumber) family, the Sponge gourd is produced on a climbing vine, has a cylindrical shape and smooth green outer skin. This gourd can reach between 1 to 2 feet in length and has a white inner flesh. The inner flesh of the Sponge gourd is very fibrous and offers a flavor similar to bitter melon.- See more at: http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Sponge_Gourd_12570.php#sthash.bJQiDhFX.dpuf

Origin and History of Squash "The earliest records of human use of edible cucurbits [squash family] has come from Mexico; caches of seeds of squashes have been found from habitations older than 9000 years, and certainly by 5000 B.C. In the New World, squashes and pumpkins were used as a major food crop (planted) by native peoples and became a major part of the diet of the Pilgrims, apparently a prominent food at the first Thanksgiving feast and all subsequent ones.

Origin and History of sweet potatoes"It is though that Ipomoea batatas [sweet potatoes] originated from an unremarkable trailing climber (vine) on the mainland, probably in Central America...Sweet potato was already an important crop on Pacific islands when Europeans landed on the islands: Easter Island (Roggeveen, 1722), New Zealand (Cook, 1769), and the Hawaiian Islands (Cook, 1778). Sweet potato, known as kumara, was a staple in the diet of the Maoris of New Zealand; interestingly, the name kumar is used for this plant in Peru! Rongo ma-Tane, a Maori god, protects this plant; a buried tuber is powerful enough to cause enemy to go mad and run away.

Origin and History of ThymeThyme is native to the Mediterranean area. It was known to the Ancient Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans (who introduced it into Britain). Like other herbs thyme was used as a medicine as well as a food.

Origin and History of TindaTinda is native to India and is popular in the northern part of the country and in Pakistan. The gourd is becoming more popular in Southern California, where it can be found at farmers markets and in specialty Asian food stores - See more at:

Origin and History of TomatoesTomatoes are native to South America. The Spaniards came across them in the 16th century. However tomatoes were unknown in England until the end of the 16th century.

Origin and History of TurmericIn recent years turmeric has attracted quite a bit of interest for its natural healing properties, but it has actually been used medicinally for over 4,500 years. Analyses of pots discovered near New Delhi uncovered residue from turmeric, ginger and garlic that dates back as early as 2500 BCE. It was around 500 BCE that turmeric emerged as an important part of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of natural healing that is still practiced today.

Origin and History of TurnipsTurnips are native to northern Europe. They were grown by the Romans and during the Middle Ages turnips were a staple food of poor people in Europe. In the 18th century Charles 'Turnip' Townshend pioneered growing turnips to feed cattle.

Origin and History of Water Melon We know watermelon today as a way to refresh ourselves during the long hot summer days, but it was used since the ancient times as a portable source of water in the deserts of Africa.

Origin and History of Zucchini Zucchini is a relatively new vegetable on the world scene, but that doesn't prevent them from being popular and healthy.Its wild ancestors are thousands of years old but what we know as zucchini appeared only a hundred years ago.