The kola nut is a seed from a tree of the Sterculiaceae family, with the most prominent species being Cola Vera, Cola acuminata and Cola nitida. This tree is believed to be the first tree on Earth by certain Nigerian tribes. If you feel as though you've never heard of this valuable seed, you may be ...

Basil seeds, also known as 'sabja seeds' or 'sweet basil seeds', come from the well-known basil plant. Originating in India, the many health benefits and uses of these small black seeds has spread across to other countries in Asia. High in vitamins and minerals, they have been used for centuries to ...

Okra, sometimes referred to as ochro, ("ladies' fingers" in the UK and other English-speaking countries , "bhindi" in India etc) is a flowering plant found in warm and balmy climates across the globe. The plant produces long green pods covered in a fine fuzz, these pods contain small edible seeds, ...

Bitter melon, bitter gourd, karela, caraille, Momordica charantia; whatever you call this prickly-looking fruit, it’s useful to know about what it can do for you. A native to tropical and subtropical climates, it has been utilised for years as a remedy for a variety of ailments. You can use all ...

Custard apple is a tropical fruit, originally native to South America, however Australia has become one of its largest producers nowadays. There are 2 main types, Pinks Mammoth and African Pride that can easily be found around the world, both have a light green colour when ripe and easily ...

Commonly believed to be a grain and prepared and eaten like one, quinoa or 'Chenopodium quinoa', is in fact a seed botanically speaking and is a relative of spinach and chard. The plant is indigenous to South America, originating in the mountainous area surrounding Lake Titicaca in Peru and Bolivia ...

Edamame beans are young, immature soybeans (also known as 'Glycine max') that are harvested prior to the bean's natural hardening process. These beans have a green colour differing from the soybean's light brown. The bean is believed to have been domesticated from its wild relative, 'Glycine soja', ...

The pistachio tree is a small flowering plant which originates mainly from Central Asia. The fruit of the pistachio tree contains a small oval-shaped seed; pistachio nuts, commonly sold in supermarkets and heath food stores. The trees used for commercial harvest are planted in large orchards and ...

Have you ever seen a recipe for a yummy, healthy treat? You buy all the ingredients and set up only to find you need a food processor to make them? Or perhaps you feel like you’re missing out on a convenient vegan snack purely because you don’t own this vital piece of equipment? Well fear not! I've ...

Quince is a special seasonal fruit that ripens between autumn and winter. Hailing from the warm regions of southwest Asia, it was later introduced to various countries of eastern Europe. It is a member of the Rosaceae family, meaning that it is a close relative of apples and pears. Quince, or ...