Hi There, Fellow Gardeners!
This is AnnahMarie.
Today, Organic Gurlz Gardens of Fort Wayne, Indiana will be sharing information on Uncommon Fruits and Vegetables.
We all know there is always more undiscovered plants. After all, it is estimated that scientists have discovered only an estimated 2% of plant life in the world. Imagine the possibilities of foods out there!
Read on to learn about a few unusual fruits and veggies.
The Bottle Gourd:
A truly exotic specialty unlikely to be found in the average American’s kitchen, bottle gourds are thought to have originated in China. Along with their believed long travels, bottle gourds are great for helping digestion and assisting with (healthy) weight loss. In addition, these gourds help with reducing high blood pressure.
While you can drink out of the gourd like a bottle (just cut off the stem like you would a pumpkin, “gut” out the meat and use the hole at the top of the gourd as the spout), Becca from Organic Gurlz Gardens has a recipe to share for bottle gourds.
Bottle Gourd Curry:
Ingredients:
- 1 Bottle Gourd, thinly peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup of Channa dal
- ½ of an Onion
- 8 cherry Tomatoes, diced (Cherry tomatoes have more expressed flavor)
- 1/4 cup of Water
- ¼ tsp. of mustard
For the seasoning:
- 2 tbsp. Cold pressed virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. Mustard seeds
- 2 Whole Red Chili
- 4 Curry Leaves
Add oil to a wok or wok-like pan. Allow the oil to heat up to around medium heat, then supplement the mustard and Channa dal in.
Add the 1/2 onion, tomatoes, ¼ cup water and a pinch of salt.
After the previous step, remove the mixture from heat.
Fold the peeled, chopped bottle gourd into the mixture.
Next, place the ‘wok’ pan on medium-high heat. Position the lid on top on the pan and allow the delectable items in the pan to hard boil.
After 5-10 minutes, open the lid and let the mixture simmer in medium heat.
In another pan:
Place cold-pressed virgin olive oil into a skillet, and then add the seasoning ingredients.
Together:
After the seeds begin to sputter, combine the freshly-made seasoning in the bottle gourd mixture.
Boil the mixture until it becomes thick in consistency or until the water evaporates and then remove from heat.
*We at O.G.G. suggest eating this meal with rice for an extra special touch.*
Cherimoya:
A definite fruit not found in the everyday supermarket, the Cherimoya carries a similar taste to an apple. It is also called a custard apple.
This fruit has amazingly high quantities of Vitamin C and is rich with fiber. Also, Cherimoyas mays help fight cancer, maintain cardiovascular health, and promote hair growth!
It is strange for a fruit to have all these delicious benefits, but after all, this is a weird item to have in the house!
Don’t forget to tell your kids, grandchildren , nieces and nephews about the Kids Oasis!
Don’t have a garden? No Worries! Contact Becca at Becca.b@OrganicGurlzGardens.
Keep on growing!
“Let The Muddy, Messy Girl Build Your Garden Today”
The Organic Gurlz Gardens
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