Vegetables

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, variety scolymus), also called globe artichoke or French artichoke, is a large thistle-like perennial plant of the aster family (Asteraceae) grown for its edible flower buds. The thick bracts and the receptacle of the immature flower head, known as the heart, are a culinary delicacy enjoyed in numerous cuisines. Most artichokes grown worldwide are cultivated in France, Italy, and Spain, while California provides nearly 100% of the US crop.

Thought to be native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, Asparagus is a cultivated perennial vegetable grown for its succulent spring stalks. Belonging to the genus of the family Asparagaceae, it was widely used in the past as a frequent medicinal “cure-all.” Today, the most common and commercially important variety is the garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis).

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), also called sweet pepper or capsicum, are a pepper cultivar in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). These peppers are grown for their thick, mild fruits. Frequently found in a range of colors such as green, yellow, orange, and red, all these varieties are the same crop just picked at varying levels of ripening. Bell peppers are unique in the fact that unlike other members of the Capsicum family, they do not produce the compound called capsaicin, which is the compound responsible for the burning sensation felt when spicy peppers are consumed. Bell peppers score a zero on the Scoville unit scale.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var itallica) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis) are both members of the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family, also known as the mustard family. Typically, these crops prefer cool temperatures, full sun, sandy soil and slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Broccoli is hardy and can germinate in cold weather as low as 40º F. Fall planting is recommended if you live in a warm climate. Cauliflower, however, is not the hardiest of brassica plants. It can tolerate a minor frost, but a hard frost can kill your entire crop. Cool, moist conditions are ideal for cauliflower plants.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a vegetable and fodder plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Various agricultural forms of this plant have been developed by long cultivation from the wild cabbage. Cabbage grows best in cool weather and soil rich in organic matter. The best soil pH for cabbage is 6.5 to 6.8. California, Wisconsin, New York, Florida and Texas account for more than 75% of the US cabbage production.

Carrots (Daucus carota) are a herbaceous and generally biennial plant of the Apiaceae family, which produces an edible taproot. Among the most common varieties, root shapes range from globular to long, with lower ends blunt to pointed. Besides the orange-colored roots, white-, yellow-, and purple-fleshed varieties are known. California, Michigan and Texas are the top carrot producing states in the US.

Chili peppers are any of several species and cultivars of very hot, pungent peppers in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). This heat is produced by a compound created within the fruit, called capsaicin. Chili peppers are native to the Americas and are cultivated in warm climates around the world. New Mexico is the largest all-pepper producer in the US.

Native to south Asia, eggplants (solanum melongena) are a warm season vegetable grown traditionally as an annual crop, though it does grow wild as a perennial. Given its tropical/subtropical origins, this crop prefers relatively high growing temperatures and a pH range of 5.8 - 6.5 for best growth. China is the world leader in eggplant production.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a perennial plant of the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), grown for its flavorful and widely used bulbs. The plant is native to central Asia but grows wild in Italy and southern France. The bulbs have a powerful onion like aroma and pungent taste and are not usually eaten raw. It is a classic ingredient in numerous different cuisines. The average garlic consumption per person is believed to be approximately 2 pounds per person per year.

Peas (Pisum sativum), also called garden pea, are an herbaceous annual plant in the family Fabaceae. Grown virtually worldwide for their edible seeds, peas can be bought fresh, canned, or frozen. Dried peas are a common ingredient used in soups. Minnesota, Washington, Wisconsin, Oregon, and New York are the top producing US states.