I Didn’t Know That About Vegetables!!!
Asparagus is a native of Poland. It is a perennial and it improves with age and cultivation. Came to England during the 16th century. The Globe Artichoke comes from the North African coast and Southern Europe introduced into England during the reign of Henry VIII about 1540.
The Broad Bean goes back to prehistoric times and was well appreciated by the Egyptians and the Greek civilizations. The French Bean came from South America but was known to the Egyptians and Romans. Arrived in England in 1580.
The Runner Bean came later in 1640 from Mexico. Beet came to England with the Romans who were responsible for many of our stable vegetable introductions.
Related to the Cauliflower, Broccoli came from Italy as the name suggests. The white headed ones are relatively new introductions of the last 70 years. In 1810 Brussels Sprouts were introduced from Europe to England. Cabbage is a native plant of the British Isles, mainly the coastal parts originally. For the best success ensure that the ground is firmed before planting.
Peppers come in from South America and are half-hardy in this country. Carrots are indigenous to Western Europe. The Cauliflower is of Italian origin and was introduced in the 16th century. Celery is a native plant and is also found in the humus rich, marshy areas of Europe. Cultivation of Cucumber dates back over 3,000 years. And is a native of Asia. The Romans under the Caesars introduced Endives and it spread through their empires. Garlic is mentioned in the bible and brought to England by the Romans. Kale is brought to us by the whole of Europe, as it was a staple easily grown in any soil.
A native of Southern Europe, the Leek was popular with the Israelites in Egypt as with King Henry. Lettuce is a native of the British Isles, Europe and Asia no wonder it is a favourite of salad lovers everywhere.
Mushrooms came under cultivation in the 17th century. Prehistoric man, the Chaldeans and the Egyptians, favoured onions. The Romans were responsible for its introduction into England. Parsley is a native of Sardinia and a popular herb from the middle ages. Parsnips are native to Britain and many other countries. The Pea came from the prehistoric larder in Europe. The Potato came recently via Virginia, courtesy of Drake and Raleigh, from South America but has a history of over 3,000 years old. The Pumpkin is a native of the tropics and is among the oldest of cultivated vegetables. Radishes came from China, it is thought, and well known in Asia and Greece.
The Shallot is named after Ascalon a city of the Philistines. It is a native plant of Palestine. Spinach came from Iran and North West Asia. The Tomato is a native of America and was introduced into England about 1570 via Italy. Marrow came from the East and introduced into England about 1815. Watercress is a native of Britain and can be grown in running water or well watered, humus rich soil.