Chicory
Binomial name: Cichorim intybus Chicory is a plant that forms a rosette, which can be formed by 50 or more toothed leaves of violet or green colour. Origin: it’s from the Mediterranean region. Medicinal values: this vegetable is tonic, appetizer and diuretic. Caloric value per 100 g: 17 kcal Varieties: they are classifyed in two groups: root chicory and salad chicory. Curiosities: in the 17th century was very important its growing in orchards; varieties less bitter were selected for its approval on the table. Escarole and endive are fruit of the improvement of this...
Read MoreRadish
Binomial name: Raphanus sativus Pertaining to the crucifers family, the plant can be annual or bianual. The root is thick, fleshy, very variable regarding size, of red pink or white skin. Origin: it is thought that big radishes comes from South Asia and that they were very used in the olden days, so much in the Greek culture as in the Roman. Anyway, its cultivation is very extended in Europe and America. Small radishes were originated in the Mediterranean region. Medicinal values: the radish is a good antiscorbutic, because of the big quantity of vitamin C that possesses and because it constitutes a fundamental antioxidant, by what it eliminates organic waste. Besides, it has a lot of importance in the prevention of cancer or in inhibition of cancer cells. It is also beneficial for the digestive system. Caloric value per 100 g: 110 kcal Varieties: the varieties include from the small roots (“rabanitos”) until the ones with big roots, like the black radish, pink or white (Japanese turnip). Curiosities: in the past it was used as painkiller, as it seemed to present relaxing properties and induce...
Read MoreParsley
Binomial name: Petroselinum crispum It is a biannual plant that it is cultivated for its leaves. The stalks are erect, and the leaves, smooth or curling, very aromatic and hairless petiole. Origin: parsley is a plant native to the Mediterranean area, although it is cultivated across Europe, since its use as a condiment is very widespread. Medicinal values: it is diuretic, since it helps to eliminate body fluids; it also helps in digestion, it reduces flatulences and it whets the appetite; it is useful as eyedrops, as it alleviates overworked eyes; it also calms earache, toothache and tendons; it protects the capillary wall so that it will be more resistant to the blows; it transmits a relaxing effect to our body; it combats bad breath; it stimulates menstrual cycle. Caloric value per 100 g: 55 kcal Varieties: common parsley and the curling one are the most usual. Curiosities: parsley thin your blood and prevent clotting. This makes it a dangerous food to small birds; we do not have to give it to our canary or...
Read MorePotato
Binomial name: Solanum tuberosum It is a plant of the Solanaceae family, of the gender solanum. It is a starchy, tuberous crop. Origin: the potato is native to South America, but nowadays it is cultivated all over the world. In the 16th century it arrived to Europe, and from there it was spread to the rest of the world, included United States and Canada, where it arrived in the 18th century. At the beginning, the potato was only intended for fodder. Medicinal values: people who have kidney problems must leave to soak potatoes to remove potassium before eat it, during, at least 10 hours. It is also indicated for obese people, since it contains very few kilocalories, although they never have to eat it fried but boiled. Diabetics can also eat it, although without abusing. Caloric value per 100 g: 86 kcal Varieties: red, white, purple. Curiosities: the Netherlands is regarded as the leading country in potatoes. Dutch potatoes have more than 250...
Read MoreLettuce
“Roble” Romain Lollo rosso Green Lollo Head lettuce Binomial name: Lactuca sativa The lettuce belongs to the Asteraceae family and to the lactuca gender. This vegetable has changed throughout history. At present, its leaves are usually green, whatever the type of lettuce is; and lettuce has become the main ingredient in a good salad. Origin: there is a confusion on the origin of the lettuce. What is certain is that this plant is very common, and we can find it sometimes in the wild. Medicinal values: it has a lot of vegetables characteristics, so it aids digestion, intestinal activity, and it is a powerful diuretic. Caloric value per 100 g: 13 kcal Varieties: to discuss about lettuce is to do it of innumerable species, between them, Batavian, with green leaves and reddish tips; Iceberg, round, with big leaves and in a cabbage; Butterhead, similar to the iceberg but smaller; “Roble“, with curled leaves, green and brown; Lollo rosso, from Italy and red; Romaine, also called Spanish and with lengthened form, and Head lettuce, that is cultivated in the bank of the River...
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