Gourds
Gourds belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are vining or bushy plants known for their fleshy fruits. This family includes both edible varieties and ornamental gourds, with a wide range of shapes, colors, textures, and flavors.
Thomas Vellaringattu
Yellow Squash
Yellow squash’s bright color, mild flavor, and quick growth make it a summer garden favorite. From Mexican markets to American backyard barbecues, its culinary flexibility shines in both simple and gourmet dishes.
Daikon - White Radish
Daikon’s mild flavor, crisp texture, and adaptability make it a global kitchen staple. From Japanese pickles to Korean kimchi, its culinary range is unmatched. Home growers in temperate climates can enjoy abundant harvests, while chefs leverage its versatility in both raw and cooked dishes.
Tubers - Root Vegetables
Tubers are the enlarged, fleshy parts of a plant’s root or stem that store nutrients, allowing the plant to survive during dormant seasons. These nutrient-rich structures make tubers an essential food source for humans and animals alike.
Jicama - Mexican Yam Bean
Jicama’s crisp texture, mild sweetness, and nutritional benefits make it a global kitchen favorite. From Mexican markets to Thai street food stalls, its adaptability shines in raw and cooked dishes.
Greens (Vegetables)
Leafy greens are not only versatile but also elevate dishes with their fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Whether you're cooking up a hearty stew or tossing a light salad, greens offer endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen! Let me know if you'd like specific recipes or pairings.
Rutabaga - Swede - Neep
Rutabaga’s resilience, nutritional profile, and sweet-earthiness make it a winter kitchen staple. From Canadian fields to Scottish holiday tables, its adaptability shines in hearty dishes. Home gardeners and chefs alike can harness its versatility, whether roasted, mashed, or fermented.
Bok Choy - Chinese Cabbage
Bok choy’s crisp texture, rapid growth, and nutrient profile make it a cornerstone of Asian and global cuisine. From the frost-tolerant fields of China to urban hydroponic farms, its adaptability ensures year-round availability.
Parsnips
Parsnips are a cold-hardy, nutrient-dense root vegetable with a unique sweetness that shines in both rustic and refined dishes. From the frost-tolerant fields of the UK to North American Thanksgiving tables parsnips are the favorite vegetable for many.
Turnips
Turnips are a dual-purpose crop, offering nutritious roots and greens with minimal cultivation demands. From the peppery Hakurei in Asian stir-fries to the hearty purple-top in European stews, their global culinary footprint is vast.
Asparagus
Asparagus combines culinary versatility with robust health benefits. From the delicate white spears of Europe to Peru’s export-driven green crops, its global footprint underscores its agricultural and gastronomic significance.
Portland, OR Food Trucks - Carts
Post-pandemic, carts face challenges like rising rents and labor shortages. Yet, their agility and community roots position them to endure. Innovations like app-based ordering pods and hyper-local sourcing (e.g., foraged mushrooms) keep Portland at the forefront of street food culture.
Dry Fruits - Vegetables
Dry fruits are fruits that have been dehydrated through natural drying or mechanical processes to remove most of their water content. These are packed with concentrated nutrients and natural sweetness.
Coconut - Coconut Juice
Coconuts are incredibly versatile fruits, celebrated for their culinary, nutritional, and cosmetic uses. From the flesh to the water and oil, each part of the coconut has unique benefits and applications. Here's an introduction to coconuts, coconut oil, and coconut juice:
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are nutritional powerhouses, packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. Here’s an introduction to their incredible benefits and versatility: