The little green tree The humble broccoli is part of the Brassica family which also includes cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts. Just like many of its relatives broccoli is also a winter vegetable that makes the colder months more enjoyable. While it is now enjoyed all across the world, broccoli has its roots in Italy … Continue reading Broccoli – Brokkoli
Asparagus – Spargel
The delicious spear The taste of asparagus is incomparable to any other vegetable. It is synonymous with the hight of spring, especially the white variety that starts a frenzy every May in Germany. While the green variety originally hails from Asia, the white variety was first developed in Germany. Across the world mostly the green … Continue reading Asparagus – Spargel
Rocket – Rucola
The peppery leaf Nowadays considered a quintessential Italian staple, rocket was already cultivated by Ancient Egyptians and Romans. The latter believed it to be an aphrodisiac. With its peppery taste it’s instantly recognizable and it's not surprising that it belongs to the large family of brassica, just like cabbage and broccoli. Rocket is surprisingly easy … Continue reading Rocket – Rucola
Radicchio
The Italian Chicory Radicchio is a form of chicory and because it originated and is frequently used in this country's cuisine, it is also named Italian chicory. Even though the round varieties resemble red cabbage the flavours are completely different, with radicchio being bitter, crisp and very fresh and red cabbage having a distinct cabbage … Continue reading Radicchio
Jerusalem Artichoke – Topinambur
Sunflowers little sibling Despite their Middle Eastern name, Jerusalem artichokes are neither from Israel nor are they closely related to artichokes. The name is most likely connected to a mistranslation of the Italian name for sunflower, as the tuber vegetable is actually a close relative to the commonly known flower. It also goes by the … Continue reading Jerusalem Artichoke – Topinambur
Butternut Squash – Butternusskürbis
The sweetest of the squashes For more than 12,000 years humans have been enjoying squash. Botanically squashes belong to the Cucurbitaceae family which also includes cucumbers, melons and courgettes. Squashes originated in Middle and South America and are a hugely important crop for the entire American continent. One of the most flavourful of the squashes … Continue reading Butternut Squash – Butternusskürbis
Spinach – Spinat
Everyone’s favourite green Probably the most versatile and universally liked leafy greens, spinach has its origin in ancient Persia. It’s part of the amaranth family, alongside vegetables like chard and pseudo grains like amaranth and quinoa. The healthy green is available all year round but is especially great during early spring when other fresh produce … Continue reading Spinach – Spinat
Sweet potato – Süßkartoffel
The sweet root Even though sweet potato shares its origin and name with the humble potato, they aren’t directly related. Sweet potatoes aren’t a member of the nightshade family but instead belong to the bindweed family, which also includes the eponymous pesky weed found in many gardens. However the name is fitting as it’s a … Continue reading Sweet potato – Süßkartoffel
Swiss Chard – Mangold
The rainbow vegetable This leafy green is a relative of beetroot and has a similar, if not slightly more intense flavour than spinach. Swiss chard’s origins are in the south of Europe and the vegetable is especially popular in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It’s available all year round but is especially delicious from … Continue reading Swiss Chard – Mangold
Ceasar’s mushroom – Kaiserling
The Emperors favourite The glorious caesar's mushroom carries its royal name for good reason, it was a firm favorite of Roman emperors. The mushroom has a bright orange cap with a yellow stem and gills. It’s a rare mushroom that can’t be cultivated and even has a protected status in some countries. It can be … Continue reading Ceasar’s mushroom – Kaiserling
The Food Library 