Words for labels
The table below provides some potential words for labels of veggies and herbs that are commonly grown in planter boxes. They were written by Bev Robertson and are used by Incredible Edible Eltham.
Plant | Group | Harvest | Taste | Use | Nutrients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basil | Herb | As needed | Sweet aromatic | Salads, pesto, soups, infused oil | Vitamins A, K. Calcium. |
Beans (dwarf) | Legume | Pick young beans to encourage more crops | Sweet | Raw or steamed as a side dish | Vitamins A, B6. Folate, calcium. |
Beetroot | Root vegetable | When beet is a good size and visible above ground | Sweet flavour | Raw in salads, roast, boil or steam. A sweetener in cakes. | Vitamins C. Dietary fibre, antioxidant. |
Capsicum | Solanums | When a good size – green or wait to turn red | Sweet especially red capsicums | Raw in salads or cooked, roasted and stuffed. | Vitamins A, C, B6. Iron. |
Coriander | Herb | As needed (goes to seed quickly in summer) | Crushed seeds have a lemony citrus flavour. Leaves are zesty and aromatic. | Indian and Mexican cooking – curries, soups sauces, marinades, pesto. Fresh as a garnish. | Vitamins C, K. Iron, magnesium and protein. |
Garlic chives | Allium | As needed. | Mild onion/garlic flavour | Chop and add to salads, soups, stir fries, creamy sauces and omelettes. | Vitamins A, C. Folate, potassium, iron, calcium. |
Kale | Brassica | Larger leaves as required | Bitter uncooked | Raw in smoothies, cooked in soups, stir fries and baked as chips | Vitamins A, C, B6. Calcium, iron. |
Mizuna | Brassica | As needed (goes to seed quickly in summer) | Mild peppery flavour | Raw in salads or cooked in stir fries and soups | Vitamins A, C. |
Mustard greens | Brassica | As needed (goes to seed quickly in summer) | Mild peppery flavour (vinegar or lemon juice tones the spiciness). | Add raw to salads or juices or cook in stir fries or steam | Vitamins A, C, E, K. Manganese, calcium. |
Oregano | Herb | As needed | ‘Balsamic’, pungent | Fresh or dried in Greek, Spanish cooking. Pairs well with meat, tomato dishes and eggs. | Vitamins A, C, E, K, B6. Folate, iron, calcium, potassium. |
Radish | Root vegetable | A couple of months after planting | Mild crisp white flesh | Raw in salads or add to stir fries | Vitamin C. |
Rocket (Arugula) | Leafy green | As needed (goes to seed quickly in summer) | Peppery flavour | Mix in salads, toss on pizzas, into soups, pasta, sandwiches | Potassium, iron, calcium. |
Rosemary | Herb | As needed | Bittersweet, nutty flavour | With chicken, lamb. Herbal butter, sauces, salads, desserts. Wards off mosquitoes. Essential oil. | Vitamin B6. Iron, calcium. Many health benefits. |
Sage | Herb | As needed | Peppery flavour | Add to meat dishes. Brew into a tea. | Vitamins A, C, E. Folate, calcium, iron. Many health benefits. |
Silverbeet | Leafy green | As needed | Earthy flavour | Shred and add to salads or slice and add to stir fries, curries, quiches, soups. Steam briefly for a side dish. | Vitasmins A, C, K, B6. Riboflavin, folate, potassium. |
Spinach | Leafy green | Pick young leaves and the crop will come again (goes to seed quickly in summer) | Mild | Raw, steam, sauté or bake in pies, bread, soup, strir fries, salads, pizzas | Vitamins A, C, E, K, B6. Iron, folate, niacin, zinc. |
Spring onions | Allium | When green tops are thicker and white bulbs swollen | Milder taste than regular onions | Green tops and white bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked in noodle dishes and soups | Vitamins A, C, B6. Many minerals. |
Zucchini | Cucurbit | Small with flowers, or medium size | Light sweetness | Raw in salads, steamed or roasted | Vitamins C, B6. Folate, potassium. |