Author: Narda

Oregano By Narda McCarthy June 20, 2022 With small deep-green leaves and small purple or white flowers, oregano is an aromatic herb from the mint (Lamiaceae) family, whose aroma and flavor honor its name, which literally means Joy of The Mountain, from the Greek “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy).  These two attributes have made of […]

The herb we know as cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) are the leaves of the coriander.  These aromatic, green feathery leaves that we love to add to our soups, tacos, rice, and potatoes, are more than flavor.  Cilantro possesses a vast nutritional content besides varied and extensive medicinal properties that make of cilantro one of the jewels […]

So small and so good!! Cultivated for millennia, mangoes (Mangifera indica) are believed to be native to some place between Southeast Asia and India. Mangoes have a large seed surrounded by luscious, golden flesh and thick skin.  Reportedly, there are more distinctive mango varieties than countries in the tropics. Although high in sugar, mangoes have […]

The papaya (Carica papaya) has among its many names, papaya, pawpaw and prairie banana; it is original from a broad region covering  from northern Mexico to northern South America.  Papayas are now widely cultivated in many  tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Papayas are among the most delicious, healthiest and versatile fruits.   They can […]

Original from Central Asia, apple trees (Malus domestica) are cultivated worldwide and were brought to North America by European settlers.  Apples are well-liked by children and adults not only for its sweet and aromatic flavor, but also because it gives the sensation of fullness and a low-calorie count, making it a favorite add up to […]

CHAMOMILE (CAMOMILE) THE LADY OF THE HOUSE German chamomile, Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria chamomilla.  A member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, chamomile is native to Western Europe and Northern Africa, it is now grown in temperate regions around the world due to its healing properties and popularity. Considered by many “The Lady of The House” for […]

Indigenous to South America the pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical plant that belongs to the Bromeliaceae family; it can be grown in a small garden from the crown (top of the fruit) or from the offshoots from an established plant.  Its fruit has a rough, prickly skin with delicious, juicy flesh that is at […]