World Food Problems- Crop Biogeography by Grace Kissel

Nutrition Label for Eggplant

gkissel4 — 2024-10-22 17:33:32 UTC

Eggplant's Origins

gkissel4 — 2024-10-22 21:00:26 UTC

The eggplant (Solanum melongena) was first domesticated in either India or China around the 5th century BC. While scientists are studying its DNA to pinpoint its exact origin, early written records of eggplant cultivation date back to 59 BC in ancient Chinese literature. By the 4th to 6th centuries, it was being grown in the Yangtze River regions, and by the early 11th century, during the Song Dynasty, eggplant was widely cultivated across China, resulting in many distinct varieties.

Eggplant growing cycle

gkissel4 — 2024-10-22 21:03:21 UTC

The cycle begins with seed germination (7-14 days), followed by 6-8 weeks as seedlings. After transplanting in warm weather (soil above 70°F), the plants mature and begin fruiting in 60-80 days. Eggplants are harvested when the skin is glossy, and they continue producing until temperatures drop or frost occurs.

How Vanilla, Collard Greens, and Eggplant all relate!

gkissel4 — 2024-10-22 21:07:41 UTC

All of our crops prefer to grow in warmer weather! Vanilla requires consistent warm weather at around 70-85°F, Collards thrive in temperatures between 60–75°F, and Eggplant requires temperatures above 70°F. Collards are more tolerant to cooler weather but overall, our crops grow best in warmer weather!

Origin of Collards

jellis89_1 — 2024-10-23 02:54:49 UTC

Brassica oleracea, otherwise known as Collard Greens, are a well known leafy vegetable in the American South. The plant itself has been traced back to early Greek historical cooking, as early as 5,000 years ago! Although they are part of the same green vegetable family as broccoli and standard cabbage, the term "collard" comes from the Middle English word "colewort", meaning "cabbage plant". The early Greeks placed high value on the plants due to its immense health benefits and variety of ways of preparing it in the kitchen. The first Black Americans brought collard seeds over to the American south when they were first transported here during the slave trade. This is what lead to what we now know as the staple dish in Southern, Black, and Native American cooking today.

Nutrition Facts of Collard Greens

jellis89_1 — 2024-10-23 02:56:02 UTC

How do they Grow?

jellis89_1 — 2024-10-23 03:01:50 UTC

Collard greens are extremely sustainable in terms of the fact that they are able to grow in diverse conditions. Although they thrive in warmer, more humid climates, they are still able to be grown and harvested in cooler weather. This explains why collards were able to be sustainable in the Mediterranean, and American south. It is said that the bitterness of the plant is dependent on the average temperature in which they are grown.

Vanilla Origins

bsande26_2 — 2024-10-23 15:21:26 UTC

Domesticated in Mexico The Totonac people of Mexico's east coast were among the first to domesticate vanilla planifolia, cultivating it on farms as early as 1185. They used vanilla to flavor food and beverages, as a fragrance in temples, and as a good-luck charm. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors "discovered" vanilla and brought it back to Europe. In 1822, vanilla was successfully introduced to Reunion Island, which is part of the Bourbon Islands. Genetic research suggests that almost all vanilla grown in the Indian Ocean area comes from this introduction.

Vanilla Bean Nutrition Information

bsande26_2 — 2024-10-23 15:22:20 UTC

Vanilla Growth Cycle

bsande26_2 — 2024-10-23 15:26:30 UTC

Vanilla is a particularly demanding crop, requiring hand pollination and over 3 years to reach full maturity, making it the second most expensive spice after Saffron.

Eggplant Globalization

gkissel4 — 2024-10-23 18:49:24 UTC

Kiples, A Moveable Feast Chapter 1 focuses on how crops have traveled worldwide through trade routes and migration, contributing to the “global food web.” The eggplant perfectly represents this idea as it has made its way from South Asia to Africa, Europe, America, and many other countries. The integration of eggplant across various culinary traditions illustrates Kiple’s idea regarding the exchange of food concepts as a result of worldwide interactions.

Farming Techniques for Eggplant

gkissel4 — 2024-10-23 18:51:49 UTC

Drip irrigation is a farming technology that can be utilized, but for the most part, eggplant doesn't require advanced farming methods. Eggplant's ability to grow in different climates and soils has made it versatile for global farming across time.