In My Garden – Native American Food Plants

I like growing food plants that originated here in the Americas. I like growing ‘Cherokee’ Tomatoes and native runner beans. Here are some of the native food plants that are ready to produce in my garden.

Runner beans - Kentucky Wonder
Runner beans – Kentucky Wonder

These green beans will be sautéed with red peppers and onions.

'Cherokee Purple' Tomato
‘Cherokee Purple’ Tomato.

I will simply slice these and drizzle with homemade vinaigrette and sprinkle with freshly grounded salt and pepper.

A pepper begins to grow.
A pepper begins to grow.

I don’t particularly care for hot peppers. I grow the sweet ones. I cut them up and freeze them. I cook with them all winter long.

Highbush Blueberries - I doubt I will eat many, the birds will beat me to them.
Highbush Blueberries – I doubt I will eat many, the birds will beat me to them.

I rarely cook with fresh blueberries. I prefer to eat them fresh and raw. Lately, I add them to yogurt. The birds will strip these bushes clean as soon as the berries are ready. I buy my blueberries from Whole Foods Market.

Early Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash Blossom
Early Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash Blossom

I love sautéed yellow squash. My Grandma Wilhelmina made it with the squash she grew in her garden. I cook it, the way she did, sautéed with onions and seasonings.

Native Grapes - variety 'Concord'
Native Grapes – variety ‘Concord’

 

The grapevine in my garden is full, lush and loaded with grapes. And the Catbirds have been checking up on the crop daily.

3 comments

  1. I had no idea Concord grapes were actually native to the Americas…

    I really love that you focus on Native American culture and history in your nature study. It’s really inspired me to learn more about the history of the Coast Salish in my region.

    Great garden!

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