Everyone knows such crops as potatoes, beans, rice, etc. But do you know anything about the beneficial properties of an icon or camas? These are cultures that you probably have not even heard of. Here are 25 unusual edible crops that you want to try:
25
Prickly pear
Cactus fruits have an oblong oval shape, they are covered with a thick shell of yellow, purple or red. Outside there are many small sharp needles, so they require careful handling. They can be eaten raw in combination with various fruits, used as a dessert.
On our site most-beauty.ru there is a very interesting article about the most beautiful cacti in the world.
24
Chinese pear
Other names: Nashi, Asian, Sand, Korean, Japanese, or Taiwanese Pear. It has a refreshing taste, goes well with other fruits. Color changes from yellow to bronze. Chinese pear retains its nutritional properties, even if stored for several months.
23
Physalis
Also called emerald berry or earthen cranberries. Fruits are mainly used to decorate dishes. They are wrapped in thin paper husk. Yellow-orange fruit can be eaten raw, and it is also used to make sauces, jellies, jams and pie fillings.
22
Candy tree
Distributed in Japan, China and the Himalayas. The fruits of this tree taste like raisins and literally melt in your mouth. They are also called Japanese raisins. Recent studies have shown that Japanese raisin extract lowers blood pressure and can be used to create products for diabetics.
21
Physalis vegetable
Akin to tomato culture. The fruits are rich in vitamins A, C and E. Despite the fact that they do not have lycopene, as in tomatoes, they contain vitanolides that have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
20
Silverthorn
Unpretentious plant: tolerates drought, is not susceptible to pests and diseases. Fruits are sweet berries. Some of the species ripen in April and May, much earlier than other seasonal crops.
19
Chilean Araucaria, or "puzzle for the monkeys"
Evergreen tree native to Chile, grows about 100 years, on average reaches a height of 20 m. The life span of a tree can reach 1000 years. The female species produces almond-sized seeds that can be eaten raw, cooked, or used in baking.
18
Quinoa
Quinoa seeds look like millet, they are covered with a bitter substance that protects them from birds. You can eat not only seeds, but also young leaves that taste like spinach. Quinoa is a rich source of fiber and protein.
17
Lupine
An annual lupine plant, like quinoa, has edible seeds. Their nutritional value is the same as that of soybeans, but the yield of lupine is much higher and easier to grow in a temperate climate.
16
Gingko tree
Deciduous tree native to China. In autumn, it bears plum-like fruits. They have a pungent unpleasant odor, but the inside of the fruit in China is considered a delicacy. Gingko fruits have many useful properties: they improve memory, concentration, and reduce the side effects of menopause.
15
Moram beans
Morama grows in sandy, arid or semi-arid areas. After roasting, it takes on the taste of cashew nuts. The nutritional value of seeds is equivalent to peanuts and soy.
14
Hyssop anise
Distributed in North America. The leaves have a specific aniseed taste, they are usually added to salads. It helps in the treatment of cough, regulates blood pressure, improves metabolism and has a tonic effect.
13
Bell
Evergreen Mediterranean plant. Known for its beautiful flowers. The leaves of the bells are edible, have a soft, sweet taste. It goes well with vegetables.
We wrote about bells in our article about the most beautiful flowers in the world!
12
Iron Cross, or Oxalis
Bulbous plant, mainly grown in South America. It has edible leaves and flowers. The flowers have a lemon flavor, they can be added in small quantities to salads. Due to the content of oxalic acid in them, it is not recommended to use them in large quantities. The root can also be eaten raw or cooked. The texture resembles a crisp apple, has a mild taste.
11
Mallow
Mallow leaves have a very mild flavor, which can serve as a good complement to the salad. Also, leaves can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
10
Chinese artichokes
Artichokes are low-calorie vegetables with a high content of starch, sugar and minerals, which makes them an excellent source of energy.
9
Yakon
Edible root plant grown in South America. Yakon grows up to 1 m, is collected in the same way as potatoes. The yakon has low nutritional value, but it contains a lot of carbohydrates in the form of inulin. It is a hard-to-digest carbohydrate that gives the fruit a sweet taste. Can be used as a sweetener by diabetics.
8
Indian potato
Indian potatoes grow up to 15 cm tall, take root on mountain slopes and ridges, mainly on gravel and sandy soils. The roots taste good, the peel is slightly bitter.
7
Tiger lily
Often bred as an ornamental plant. In the east, it is grown for food purposes. The lily bulb is edible, it is also used in Chinese traditional medicine, in particular for the treatment of bronchitis.
6
Peanuts
It grows to 1.2 m, belongs to the legume family, therefore, the established name "peanut" is not entirely correct. Peanuts taste good after roasting, it is high in protein and fat. You can eat raw, but it is rather difficult to chew.
5
Camas
Perennial herbaceous plant grown mainly in North America. The roots of this plant are edible, are popular among Native Americans, are used in a cooked form, their taste resembles sweet potatoes.
An interesting fact: some species of kamas are poisonous, interaction with them can be fatal.
4
Eye, or tuberous acid
A plant from South America. No less hardy than potatoes. It tastes good, a little sour-lemon. Can be eaten raw or boiled. 100 g contains 40 mg of vitamin C, while the eye is low-calorie, so it is ideal for people who are watching their figure.
By the way, we strongly advise you to look at our article about ridiculous cases of overdose with ordinary food products!
3
China
A rare plant grown in the UK. The tubers contain a lot of starch; they are usually baked. It is a perennial plant, so it can be used to prevent soil erosion between crops. They are simply grown at home. China is not a high-yielding crop, so in grocery stores the price is quite high, but it is nutritious and tasty.
2
Tiger nut, or chufa
Actually not a nut. Chufa grows in the tropics and subtropics. The size of tubers with peanuts. They are used raw; This is ideal for a snack. Tiger nuts contain many nutrients: oleic acid, glucose, minerals and vitamins C and E. It is also a good source of energy due to its high content of fats, starch, sugar and protein.
1
Yam
There are many varieties of yams that are common in different regions of the world: Africa, China, Southeast Asia and South America. All of them reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yams are high in fiber, potassium, manganese, vitamins C and B6.
Finally
Of course, this is far from all the most unusual cultures that can be eaten. Want to continue this list? Write to us what culture you add to the article and why.
Posted by: Arthur_Petrov