V.O.M: Rhizomes
If you ask what vegetable people like best, you’ll find that depending on the season, the vegetables people find readily available will become the flavor of the month. The result of growing cycles for fresh vegetables that are cultivated and managed as a food source, the world gets a cyclical offering of fresh vegetables to choose from. In developing countries, the time of year will determine what vegetables are available to be eaten by a population dependant on fresh vegetables for better health. Developed nations enjoy a full range of vegetables delivered from world-wide partners year-round, and for every month, a new vegetable is featured. A list of the vegetables of the month can be found here. http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/index.html
For the CDC in Atlanta Ga., October marks the announcement of the Rhizome as vegetables of the month. The season is here for us to learn more about the best vegetables to eat during each season of the year, and for the lowly Rhizome, many U.S. consumers have much to learn.
Rhizomes are underground nodes which project the plants roots to expand the base of nutrient gathering capability. The Rhizome is the plant’s stem which is located below the surface of the earth or near the surface. Common Rhizomes you may already now of are Ginger and Turmeric. A lesser known Rhizome is Galangal. Though an association to the potato which is a stolon has been made, the Rhizome is different in that it is the stem of the plant while a stolon (potato) is a node that originates as a storage area of the root system, and the Rhizome is the plant’s stem. The Rhizome is an old world vegetable that continues to be widely used in Asian cooking and many Rhizomes have medicinal uses in these traditionally Eastern recipes.
Ginger, Turmeric, and Galangal are the most widely used Rhizome. Many Eastern societies have been utilizing these as an important part of their dietary intake. Ginger is the most recognized Rhizome. Grown in warm, humid regions, this Rhizome is included in recipes for beverages and breads. Sweet and woodsy flavors are created from this Rhizome, and many favor it as a great additional flavor to exotic treats and medicinal beverages. Unlike Ginger, Turmeric is less used in western recipes. Many Eastern cultures use this Rhizome in a dry or powdered form as an inclusion for flavor and health benefits. The Rhizomes that have been proven to alleviate upset stomachs and continues to be prescribed by naturalists who look to these vegetables as a source of health. The Galangal is very similar to Turmeric in its uses in Eastern recipes. Indian, Asian, and tropical cultures use the Rhizome as a great addition for flavor, color, and health. Because these vegetables have been in use as early as 600BC, what you don’t know about Rhizomes should give you a reason to enjoy October’s vegetable of the month, the Rhizome.
For information on world vegetable issues visit: http://www.avrdc.org/
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