Latin Name: Ipomea batatas Family: Convolvucea Other Names: Batata Culinary use Sweet potato is a tuber with great nutritional values used in traditional cooking. It must be eaten cooked because it contains starch to be digested properly. Sweet potatoes can be boiled, baked, grilled or microwaved and served as a side dish. Medicinal use It is …
Latin Name: Manihot esculenta Family: Euphorbiaceae Other names: Yuca, Manioc, Cassava tapioca Culinary use Cassava is one of the most important cultivated tropical food crops. Its tuberous roots are high in carbohydrates and are eaten cooked in a variety of dishes. They are also fried as chips and processed into a flour called tapioca. The …
Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica Family: Brassicaceae Other Names: Curly leaf Culinary use Often used in salads, like kale it is tougher and more bitter when raw than when cooked. A good way to make it less tough and bitter when not cooked is to massage it. Medicinal use Helps with bone, eye and …
Latin Name: Alternanthera sissoo Family: Amaranthaceae Other names: Samba lettuce, Sambu, Poor man’s spinach Culinary use Brazilian spinach is eaten raw as a salad green and cooked as an alternative to spinach. It has a crunchy, firm texture and a slightly bitter taste. It can be steamed, boiled or fried on its own, or added …
Latin Name: Capsicum chinense Family: Solanacea Other Names: Panamanian chili, Chile Chombo CULINARY USE Habanero chilies can be eaten raw or cooked. The chili adds heat to food, and can be very spicy. It is often used in salsas, curries, soups, stews, and marinades, and to make hot sauces. Dried fruits or seeds can be ground into …
