Vegetables

Vegetables

While walking through a market filled with fresh vegetables like stacks of lady’s finger, mountains of potatoes, pyramids of brinjal, tomatoes, cucurbits, we learn to choose the vegetables that is fresh, tender, ripe and those suit the family taste through experience and cultural practices. Why do we need to eat vegetables and what do they provide us?

Vegetables are the important part of healthy eating and provide many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, folic acid and vitamins A, E and C. The nutrients in vegetables are vital for maintenance of our health.

Potato

Botanical name : Solanum tuberosum

Family: Solanaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation

Potato has originated from the highlands of Peru and Bolivia. It is cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar are the major potato cultivating states of India. Nilgiri and Palani hills also contribute to the potato cultivation in Southern Indian hills.

Uses

Potato tubers are used in a variety of ways like boiled, steamed, fried, baked, roasted or as an ingredient in soup, stews, pies and other dishes. It is the major raw material for the chips industry, brewing industry and in the manufacture of products used for microbiological and clinical applications.

Lady’s finger / Okra

Botanical name : Abelmoschus esculentus

Family: Malvaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation

Lady’s finger is a native of the Tropical Africa. Assam, Maharashtra and Gujarat are the important states where Lady’s finger is grown in abundance. Coimbatore, Dharmapuri and Vellore are the major cultivating regions of Tamil Nadu.

Uses

The fresh and green tender fruits are used as a vegetable. Often they are sliced and dehydrated to conserve them for later use. It has most important nutrients.

Cucumber

Botanical name : Cucumis sativus

Family: Cucurbitaceae

The cucurbits are the vining plants of the family Cucurbitaceae, which include cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons and gourds.

Origin and Area of Cultivation

The cucumber is an important summer vegetable in all parts of India. It is originated in India. It has been cultivated for at least three thousand years. Cucumber is commonly cultivated throughout India.

Uses

Depending on the species immature or mature fruit are consumed as fresh or cooked vegetables. It is used in the preparation of salad and pickle. Oil obtained from cucumber seed is good for the brain and the body and the kernels are used in confectionaries.