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Arabica Coffee (coffea
arabica)
This self-pollinating species
produces fruit after only three to four years, the dried beans are then
roasted, ground and brewed to make one of the two most important
beverages in the western world. Also used as a flavoring in ice
cream, pastries, candies and liqueurs. |
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Capers
(capparis spinosa)
Capers are produced by pickling
the immature flower buds from this plant in vinegar. Used as a
condiment or in cooking, they have a sharp piquant flavor and add aroma
and saltiness to pastas, pizzas, meats, fish and salads. Can be
used medicinally as a diuretic and to fight arteriosclerosis. |
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Cardamon
(elettaria caradamomum)
A spice that is used like
cinnamon and cloves and is especially good in recipes that call for
honey. Comes from the ginger family and is known as the world's
"second most precious spice". |
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Carob, St.
John's Bread
(ceratonia siliqua)
This evergreen shrub produces
rich leathery pods that are milled as a chocolate substitute as it
contains less fat and more vitamins than cocoa. Roasted seed is
also used as a coffee substitute. |
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Cayenne Pepper
(capsicum frutescens)
This hot red pepper is typically
used in its whole form or ground into powder and used when cooking hot
spicy dishes. Cayenne is also used as an herbal supplement and for
treating conditions such as stomachaches, cramps, gas and for improving
circulation. |
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Devil's Chili
(capsicum annuum)
One of the hottest peppers in the
world. A heavy bearing small plant, very attractive as a potted
ornamental. White star-shaped flowers are followed by a profusion
of vividly colored miniature fruits, appearing nearly year round. |
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Dwarf Coffee (coffea
catura)
A dwarf Arabica variety, this
easy to grow plant is a heavy producer that doesn't require any shade.
Commonly used outdoors as an ornamental, it also makes an interesting
houseplant with its ridged, glossy dark green foliage. |
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Habanero
Pepper
(capsicum chinense)
One of the most intensely spicy
chili peppers, the habanero is a perennial flowering plant and can
produce fruit for many years. The chilies can be frozen or dried
for later use but should be handled with care as oils from the peppers
can burn the hands or eyes. |
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Hungarian Wax
Pepper - Yellow
(capsicum annuum)
These beautiful yellow peppers
have a medium heat and a pleasant flavor. They can be used in
soups, stews, salads and salsas and are often pickled as well. |
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Jungle Chili
(capsicum sp.)
Originally grown by the Mayan
Indians, Jungle Chili is a shrubby plant with small ovate leaves and
star-shaped flowers. It produces odd looking, nearly globular
scarlet-red fruits of about 1" in diameter. The fruits have a very
pleasant mild, tangy taste. |
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Plantain (plantago
major)
A perennial herb that is
considered by some to be a miracle plant as it is both edible and
medicinal. It is rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin and has
antibacterial properties. In addition to many other uses, it is
ingested as tea to combat colds and flu and made into a salve for use on
burns, insect bites, rashes and sores. |
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Wild Coffee (coffea
sp.)
A gorgeous houseplant that
reaches about four feet (1.2 m) in height. Very ornamental with
its lustrous dark green leaves and delicately scented blooms.
Produces rich coffee beans that can be sun dried and then roasted. |
