Celery has long been associated with good health. The stalks of this aromatic plant, which is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean basin, has been used worldwide to treat countless medical issues ranging from mild constipation to serious inflammatory diseases. Today, over one billion pounds of celery are produced annually in the United States alone, with Michigan, Florida, and California accounting for 80 percent of all celery production. Despite its popularity, many people assume…
The taproot of the beet plant has a long history of use as a medicine. The ancient Romans, for example, would consume beets to treat fevers and constipation. In the Middle Ages, Europeans would turn to these red-colored roots to remedy illnesses related to blood and digestion. And ancient Chinese medicine, which has always held cooling and sweet vegetables in high regard, still prescribes beets for individuals suffering from cardiovascular conditions. Like many colorful vegetables,…
Few herbs have received as much praise throughout history as ginger, the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant. Testimonials of ginger’s significant medicinal properties have been recorded as far back as ancient Greece, though it was also mentioned in the ancient literature of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The ancient healing systems of China and India particularly venerated ginger, and often prescribed it to treat fatigue, poor blood circulation, and nausea. Ginger remains the…
Okra, also called gumbo or lady’s finger, is a tall, flowering plant that is cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. It has been prized for centuries for its edible green pods, which transform into a thick, gooey mucilage once cooked. However, many cultures like to cook okra pods with acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, which reduces their mucilage and makes them suitable for drier vegetable dishes. Though not as well-known…