Leek is a vegetable that is related to onions and garlic which belongs to the family of Allium, scallions or spring onions and shallots included. It looks like the spring onions only bigger in diameter. The white part closes to the roots is the most used in cooking, the green part or sheath of leaves…
Fennel is a perennial herb which belongs to the umbelliferae family which includes dill, celery, cilantro and parsley. Umbelliferae refers to how the flowers are formed. Used in ancient times as a treatment for arthritis and nausea, and as a sedative. It is also one of the three main herbs in making the alcoholic drink…
Watercress is in the family of Brassicas like radish and mustard relating to their peppery flavor. It closely resembles the taste of nasturtiums and the name is the same but they are actually distant relatives and they are easy to grow. Watercress is not available in the Philippines when I was growing up so I…
Kohlrabi is in the family of brassicas which includes cabbages, brocolli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens and brussel sprouts. The word kohlrabi is a German word meaning cabbage and turnip. I guess its because it look like a turnip but tastes like a cabbage. I decided to plant Kohlrabi because I was curious about the taste…
Mansanita, means little apple in the Philippines. It is a summer fruit, green in color when young and turning yellow when ripe. It tastes sweet and juicy with a little tartness. The fruit has one seed inside, which is hard and not edible. I can compare it to the omebushi (Japanese plum pickle). It is…
I was surprised to see this caterpillar attached to the winged beans. Normally I will see the caterpillars munching on the butterfly weed’s leaves and flowers. I guess since I don’t have butterfly weed this time, they try to find other plants that they will be protected till they turn into a regular butterfly. I’m…