Tag: Edible landscaping

According to a 2013 study in Brazil, the fruit of the peanut butter tree was found to be an incredible source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant present in much higher concentrations than in tomatoes. This remarkable discovery highlights the significant nutritional potential of this underappreciated tropical plant, also known by its scientific name *Bunchosia argentea*.

Malabar spinach is not a true spinach but a heat-loving vine that thrives in warm weather, unlike its cool-weather counterpart. Understanding the different types of Malabar spinach is key to choosing the right variety for your garden, whether for culinary use or ornamental appeal.

Malabar spinach, often called poor man's spinach, can provide fresh, edible greens even during sweltering summer months when true spinach would have long since bolted. This heat-loving, perennial vine is used for a variety of culinary purposes, from thickening soups and stews to being eaten raw in salads. Its uses also extend beyond the kitchen, serving as a robust groundcover and an attractive ornamental plant in gardens.

Native Americans, including the Lakota and Pawnee, have historically used sand cherries in various ways, from eating them fresh to drying them into cakes for preservation. Though often overlooked today, the versatile sand cherry remains a valuable and rewarding fruit for foragers and gardeners alike.

Over 50% of the world's kiwifruit is produced in China, but most commercial fuzzy varieties are traced back to New Zealand. The primary distinction lies in their physical characteristics and climatic needs, but what is the difference between hardy kiwi and fuzzy kiwi for growers and eaters?

Malabar spinach (Basella alba), a popular heat-tolerant vining green, is not a true spinach despite its name and similar appearance. It belongs to a completely different botanical family, a fact that surprises many home gardeners and food enthusiasts.

Pawpaw seeds can lose up to 20% of their viability if allowed to dry out for just three days. Knowing how to prep pawpaw seeds properly is crucial for overcoming their natural dormancy and significantly increasing your chances of successful germination.