Plant Family: Apiaceae – Celery Family Apiacea is a major plant family which includes celery, carrot, parsley, dill, cilantro and cumin to name just a few. Nutritional Info: Celery is an important food source of conventional antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. But its “claim to fame” in terms of antioxidant nutrients may very well be its phytonutrients. Many of these phytonutrients fall into the category of phenolic antioxidants and hav

Plant Family - Lamiaceae (Mint) Family Although over 100 chemicals have been identified, the main components of the essential oil are citral (neral and geranial), citronellal, linalool, geraniol and β-caryophyllene-oxide. Lemon balm’s lemony flavor and aroma are due largely to citral and citronellal, although other phytochemicals, including geraniol (which is rose-scented) and linalool (which is lavender-scented) also contribute to lemon balm’s scent. Lemon balm is high in fl

Plant Family: Basil is an annual herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae (mint) and like others in this family, basil can be identified by its square, hairy stems. There are over 40 known varieties of basil of which Ocimum basilicum or Sweet Basil is the most commonly known and grown. Nutritional Information: There are over 40 different types of basil and it is used in herbal remedies around the world- it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer

Plant Family: Brassicaceae – Mustard Family Kale is a leafy green in the brassica family which includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, savoy, and kohlrabi. Kale is a dark leafy green and tastes sweet and flavorful once cooked. Nutritional Information: Kale is very high in beta carotene (vitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C, and rich in calcium with 25 grams of fiber. Kale is a source of indole-3-carbinol, a chemical which boosts DNA rep

Plant Family: Swiss Chard, (also known as silver beet) and beets are chenopods, a group which is either its own family Chenopodiaceae or a subfamily within the Amaranthaceae. Although the leaves of chard are eaten, it is in the same species as beetroot, which is grown primarily for its edible roots. Nutritional Information: Swiss chard is the store-house of many phytonutrients that promote health and prevent disease. Chard is very low in calories (19 kcal in 2 cups fresh, ra

Plant Family: Rosaceae – Rose Family Rosaceae includes herbs, shrubs and trees. Many edible fruits are from the Rose Family such as apples, pears, quinces, apricots, plums, cherries, peaches, raspberries, loquats, and strawberries, almonds! Nutrition: Strawberry is low in calories (32 cal/100 g) and fats but rich source of health promoting phyto-nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Strawberries have significantly high amounts of phenolic fl