Exotic Edibles
Beetberry – Chenopodium capitatum
Origin: Southern Europe
Even though there is snow on the ground in many parts of the country, it’s never too early to start thinking about your upcoming garden. And judging from all the catalogues, the seeds companies agree with me. So what better way to get in the mood for 2003 than with gourmet greens?
A product of Europe, the Beetberry has been almost forgotten about for years. Which is a real shame since it not only produces nutritious greens but edible red berries (hence the common name).
This hardy annual can be germinated in cold frames for year-round enjoyment in salads or as healthy snacks for your birds and reptiles. The Beetberry is a somewhat sprawling plant, taking about forty to sixty days to mature (depending on temperatures). Easy to grow, it enjoys full sun and should be watered as needed.
The Beetberry has even made it into the Guinness Book of Records. It’s dark green leaves and mildly sweet red berries were listed as ingredients of the world’s largest salad.
Rouge d’Etampes Pumpkin – “Cucurbita pepo” Origin: France We just got done this morning pulling the last of these pumpkins out of our garden…this year was a bumper crop! Also
Loquat – Eriobotrya japonica Origin: China Last month I gave a plant talk at the Erie Cage Bird Association. Afterwards, the club held a raffle of plants which I had
Thai Hot Peppers aka “Thai Dragons” – Capsicum frutescens Origin: Asia Hot peppers have gained in popularity over the past few years, due in part to the fact that even