Name a Fruit or Veggie A to Z

316Judith

X-  Xylocarpus Granatum

Xylocarpus granatum, known as the cannonball mangrove, is a medium-sized mangrove tree with distinctive large, woody, cannonball-like fruits that contain 8-20 angular seeds. Its smooth, flaking bark is yellowish-brown or greenish, and the tree features >>long buttress roots<< that spread laterally. The leaves are compound<< with 1-2 pairs of leathery leaflets<<. It grows in estuarine mangrove forests<< and serves as crucial habitat for marine life and coastal protection.  

LosinSusin

That's good, Judith.

Y - Yellow watermelon

316Judith

Thank you Susan

Z- Zucchini

LosinSusin

A - Allspice or dried pimento

Healthyme7410

B - basil

316Judith

C- Carrots

LosinSusin

D - Dragon tongue bean, or dragon tongue shelling bean, is young green bean of cranberry bean, pinto bean in the species Phaseolus vulgaris. Other names for this Heirloom Bush yellow wax dwarf bean include Dragon Langerie, Merveille de Piemonte and Meraviglia del Piemonte. 

IIt Is yellow with purple stripes.

316Judith

Thank you Susan. I haven’t heard of the Dragon tongue bean before….

E- Eggplant

Healthyme7410

F - Fennel

LosinSusin

You're welcome, Judith. Neither had I.

G - Galia melon

Galia melon is a unique hybrid melon created from cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Developed in Israel, the Galia melon's scientific name is cucumis melo var. reticulatus. The outer husk of the Galia melon strongly resembles the outside of a cantaloupe in both texture and color

316Judith

H- Harvard Beets

LosinSusin

I - Ice Apple

A refreshing tropical fruit.

316Judith

J- Jackfruit

LosinSusin

K - Kaki persimmon

Also known as the kaki, it is Japan's national fruit. 

316Judith

L- Limes 🍋‍🟩

Healthyme7410

M - Marjoram

Marjoram might not be the most popular of herbs; it ranks sixth in market trade after oregano, laurel, rosemary, basil, and sage. Yet, it’s one of the most prized in Mediterranean cooking. Nothing beats the herb’s sweet, floral, and pine flavors with citrus hints, and its warm personality.

The largest marjoram producing country is Egypt, although the herb is native to the entire Mediterranean Basin and Arabic Peninsula. Europe imports 65% of the marjoram produced, and North America imports 35% of it; the little that’s left is consumed locally in the producing countries.

• Marjoram is a potent antioxidant. A compound present in the herb, carvacrol, can deal with damaging free radicals caused by oxidative stress and responsible for cell degeneration, heart disease, and premature aging.
• There’s enough clinical evidence to prove marjoram’s anti-inflammatory properties that can counter chronic inflammation, which eventually leads to hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer.
• Marjoram’s active compounds have antimicrobial properties and can treat bacterial infections and fungal diseases.
• Marjoram’s warm taste is excellent for stomach aches and gastrointestinal illness and can help protect you from stomach ulcers.
• Interestingly, marjoram is used in traditional medicine to treat menopause symptoms, regulate the menstrual cycle, and increase menstrual flow.

LosinSusin

N - Nutmeg

316Judith

O- Opo Squash

Opo squash offers health benefits including high fiber content and hydration, supporting digestion and weight management. It is also rich in vitamins (like C and B vitamins) and minerals (such as potassium, magnesium, and iron), which boost the immune system, support bone health, and contribute to overall vitality. Its antioxidant properties can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

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P - Paw paw

Pawpaws, also known as paw paw fruit or Asimina triloba, are considered the largest edible fruit native to North America. Measuring up to six inches long with large, black or brown seeds and soft, pale yellow flesh, the fruit has a sweet flavor that is often compared to pineapple, mango, banana or cantaloupe.

So where do pawpaw trees grow?

Pawpaw trees are commonly found throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. However, you can also find them in many other areas, including the South and Midwest.

The fruits were originally cultivated by several tribes of Native Americans. Although few people today have ever even heard of pawpaws, they were actually believed to have been a favorite dessert of George Washington at one point.

Because of their soft texture and sweet flavor, they are often enjoyed raw or chilled. They are also added to many dessert recipes and can be used to make ice cream, sorbet or jam.

Keep in mind that, although the terms pawpaw and papaya are often used interchangeably, the two are actually unrelated. Unlike the pawpaw fruit, papayas are a tropical fruit that are thought to originate in southern Mexico and Central America.

LosinSusin

Q - Quavers

From Britain. They’re light, crispy potato-based, cheese-flavored crisps (or chips, in other countries). Walkers is the most popular brand of Quavers.

316Judith

sounds yummy 😋 Susan…

R- Runner Beans

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are fast-growing, tall, twining vines known for their beautiful scarlet or red flowers, though white-flowered varieties exist, and they produce long, green, flat pods with patterned seeds. Originally from Central America, they are often grown ornamentally but can also be eaten when young and tender, as they contain a toxic protein when raw. The plants are not cold-hardy and require support for their vigorous climbing habit

Healthyme7410

S - Sweet cherries

6 different varieties

• Bing Cherries - Like many types of sweet cherries, Bing cherries have a distinctive heart shape. This variety is usually the first to show up in national markets, as they are the leading commercial sweet cherry. In fact, Bings are so popular that in Washington state, where most American cherries are grown, they are used to measure the growing season of other varieties. Cherry seasons are described as a number of days before or after Bings (for example, two weeks before Bing).Firm, juicy, and large, Bing cherries range in color from a deep red to rich mahogany when ripe. Bing cherries are intensely sweet with a vibrant aftertaste.
• Chelan Cherries - Chelan cherries, otherwise known as "black cherries," grow in the Pacific Northwest and ripen early, beating out Bing cherries by up to two weeks (mid-June). This round sweet cherry is also firm in texture and mild in taste. Similar to Bing cherries, Chelan cherries carry a deep mahogany color and sweet flavor. This variety is less susceptible to rain cracking, allowing it a longer shelf life than that of its counterpart. 
• Lapins Cherries - A crossbreed between the Vans and Stella varieties, Lapins cherries can grow to up to one inch in size and are hardy, deep red in color, and quite sweet and flavorful. This type of sweet cherry ripens about two weeks after the Bing cherry and is only available for a short window of a few weeks. Grab them while you can.
• Rainier Cherries - Rainier cherries are the industry's sweetheart. Yellow both inside and out, with just a splash of red blush, these two-toned cherries boast a mild, sweet flavor that hints at tartness. Named after Washington's largest peak, Mount Rainier, Rainier cherries ripen just after Bing in June and are often available through August for those lucky enough to find them locally.
• Tulare Cherries - Tulare cherries are tarter than other types of sweet cherries, but they still have the same dark red appearance of the Bing and the Chelan varieties. They are perfect for people who like a noticeably tangy aftertaste to their fruit. A second-generation seedling of the Bing, Tulare cherries grow in California and ripen about one week earlier than their close relative.
• Lambert Cherries - Lambert cherries are large with an even bright red color throughout. They are sweet enough to eat straight out of hand​ but they are also great for baking, as they maintain their texture when cooked. Lambert cherries are available for most of the summer, from mid-June to early August.

LosinSusin

Wow, I didn't know so much about runner beans and cherries!

T - Thyme

Healthyme7410

U - Ukrainian Village Green Pepper Blend from a company called The Spice House. This is how they describe it. "The grandparents of our founder emigrated to America from Ukraine. After falling in love, they realized they'd grown up 20 miles apart in the old country. They created this blend from the flavors and scents of the dishes they grew up eating. A family favorite was chicken neck soup. This seasoning is also good on baked or fried chicken."

316Judith

V- Velvet Beans

Velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) are tropical climbing vines with fuzzy, hair-covered seed pods that contain large beans, often black or brown. Native to tropical Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, these legumes are known for the irritating hairs on their pods, which have given them names like "cowitch". The mature seeds, used in traditional medicine and as a protein source, contain L-DOPA, a compound used to treat Parkinson's disease, and have antioxidant properties. 

LosinSusin

W - Whitlof

"Whitlof," also spelled witlof, is the Dutch name for Belgian endive, a pale, crisp vegetable with a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. It's grown by "forcing" chicory roots to produce blanched, white shoots, making it a common winter salad ingredient in Europe. You can eat witlof raw in salads, or use it in dishes like stews, tarts, or stuffed and baked, often paired with ingredients like blue cheese, ham, or balsamic vinegar. 

It's sometimes available in Australia.

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X - Xi Lan Hua (“Broccoli” in Chinese)

316Judith

Y- Yellow Peas

LosinSusin

Z - Zuchhini Bread

316Judith

A- Avocado