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5 easy veg to grow at home

1 March. 10 / by Chris / 1 comment

Here I list 5 easy to grow fruit and vegetables that are both super healthy and useful to cook with. I’ve not gone into great detail regarding the best ways to grow them as seed packets are full of info and advice on this topic. Instead I have highlighted some little known facts and health benefits that should enrich your appreciation of these crops.

Celebrate organic food

Carrots

Wild carrot is likely to have been a native of Afghanistan and through selective breading over thousands of years, has become sweeter and less woody. Requires very fine and deep soil to guarantee full size produce – strictly no manure, as with most root vegetables they will divide, carrot fly is the major pest. Rich in antioxidants, carrots also contain B-carotene which converts to vitamin A – however, digestion only releases a small amount of this, so pulping or cooking is a better way to get this great nutrient to absorb. Carrot cake, stews, Sunday lunch, juiced or simply eaten raw are all great ways to enjoy the carrot!

Onions

The tear jerker of the bunch. Used by ancient Egyptians 2000 years before Christ, it was worshiped as a symbol of eternal life. Such an important food source that in the middle ages the Onion could be used to pay rent. It initially came from India. Arguably the most used and versatile of Vegetables, can be stored for a few months by hanging up. Easiest grown from sets, allow plenty of space between them for big bulbs although you’ll get more yield from the area if they are closer together.

Spinach

While Popeye never seemed to enjoy its taste it seems the iron in it was the source of his legendary strength. A very nutritious food source full of vitamins, it is better steamed than boiled. “A la Florentine” is anything served on a bed of Spinach as a result of famous 16^th century figure Catherine Medici who moved to France to marry the King and took both Spinach, and Spinach cooks with her, such was her love of this leafy crop. Probably originating from Nepal and historically popular in the Muslim world, yet fairly unknown to the Ancients, it is a good early crop that grows fast. Leaves are best eaten young as can get bitter – more important than other crops to only plant a few seeds every few weeks to ensure you’re not getting all of the crops at once. Can be dug back into the ground to improve soil quality.

Chilli Plants

From south and Central America, used as a domesticated food since as far back as 7500 BC, it was until Christopher Columbus took it to Spain. It then went to Portugal; Vindaloo the famous hot Indian dish is actually thought to be a derivative of a Portuguese meal, as it was the folk from Portugal who took it East. One plant should provide enough chillies for the year, the ultimate money saver, grow on kitchen window sill, re pot every 6 months, and water regularly. Grow a few varieties for more interesting cooking, can be dried or eaten fresh and has many health benefits when eaten in moderation. Capsaicin is the heat substance that gets you sweating and releases endorphins which make you feel great! Measured in SHU’s, the hottest in the world is the bhut jolokia at around 1 million units, the standard Mexican chilli is only around 1,500 SHU, while Jalapeno comes in at 2,500– 8000 SHU and the Scotch bonnet at around 200,000 SHU.

Black Currants

A real super fruit. In the UK, during the second world war, Oranges and other sources of Vitamin C were hard to come by and so blackcurrants were grown, made into syrup and given to children for free and is still a very popular cordial. Very low maintenance once established, though can get white pine blister rust, will need a little pruning. Currents are fairly bitter and tart when eaten raw, however they are great to make jam with, milkshakes, pies and pancakes! They contain a massive helping of Vitamin C; 100grams contains 300% of recommended daily value, as well as many other essential nutrients. Possibly beneficial at preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and are also thought to reduce dark circles under eyes by increasing blood flow to capillaries. Currents juice is often added to Cider, Champagne and Guinness to increase flavour.

Tags: gardening