PLANTS USED FOR FOOD
Fresh plants pull a recipe together by infusing the dish with unparalleled
aromas and flavors. For example, basil's faint licorice flavor brightens lemon
sorbet, while rosemary's piney zing complements chicken-zucchini skewers.
Sometimes, when the effect you seek is subtle, refined, and delicate, a hint
of herbs is enough; other times, handfuls are required.
Grape Vine Leaves (Asma Yaprakları)
Stuffed grape leaves- dolmas or dolmades, or dawaly- are so delicate and
delicious! Every Middle Eastern country has its own variations of these ricestuffed rolls. Lebanese cooks may use a little tomato in their recipes, but
elsewhere it is more traditional not to overwhelm their subtle flavor with
garlic, tomato, vinegar or other strong flavors.
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Rosemary (Biberiye)
In Latin, rosemary means "dew of the sea" appropriate since it is indigenous
to the Mediterranean. Rosemary is one of the most aromatic and pungent
of all the herbs.
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Basil (Fesleğen)
Basil is one of the most important culinary herbs. Sweet basil, the most
common type. Used in sauces, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
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Mint (Nane)
Mint isn't just a little sprig that garnishes your dessert plate. It is extremely
versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. In the
Mediterranean, mint is treasured as a companion to lamb, and is often used
in fruit and vegetable salads.
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Parsley (Maydanoz)
Flat-leaf parsley is preferred for cooking, as it stands up better to heat and
has more flavor, while the more decorative curly parsley is used mostly for
garnishing.
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Thyme (Kekik)
Thyme is an ancient cooking herb that is used in recipes from many
countries. It can be purchased as a dried spice or as a fresh herb. Thyme is
a low growing herb with tiny leaves. It is generally combined with the herbs
rosemary, marjoram and sage in cooking. Thyme is used as a seasoning for
meat, particularly poultry and pork, but it is also used to flavor some
tomato-based sauces and sometimes even used to flavor cheese as it ages.
Cayenne pepper (Acı Biber)
May work as a natural pain reliever, contains vitamin A, and may reduce
cholesterol. Sparingly. Its hot and spicy flavor is great in vinegar-based
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sauces, can be combined with lemons in marinades, and works well with
all types of meat.
Dill (Dereotu)
Contains iron and calcium. Its oils may help neutralize carcinogens. This
aromatic herb is best with salmon, added in borscht or other stews, on a
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variety of vegetables (especially carrots and cucumbers), and even mixed
with yogurt.
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Cilantro (Kişniş)
It's a good source of fiber, iron, and disease-fighting phytonutrients. From
the same plant as coriander seeds, cilantro has a slightly citrusy taste.
It's best in salsa, guacamole, and combined with lemon and lime for
marinades.
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Turmeric (Zerdeçal)
Good source of manganese, iron, and vitamin B6. It may also provide relief
for arthritis. This colorful spice is most commonly used in curries, but it adds
flavor to stir-fried veggies or rice.
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PLANTS USED FOR MEDICINE
Many plants produce special substances in their roots, leaves, flowers, or
seeds that help them to survive. Since earliest times, people have gathered
these substances to create herbal medicines to treat certain diseases. Many
of the powerful drugs used in modern medicines originated in plants.
Today’s plant-based drugs treat a range of diseases, from headaches to
cancer.
Aloe Vera
It can be gown under normal conditions because it just needs moist soil and
sun exposure. The big leaves contain sap, which works amazingly against:
Burns, Wounds and cuts, Eczema, Skin allergies, The intake of aloe vera
juice can heal: digestive problems and appetite, Chronic constipation,
ulcerative colitis
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Marsh Mallow
The roots of this plant are extremely beneficial as they treat: Insect bites,
bruises and wounds, Aching muscles, Skin inflammations, Internally you
can treat: Ulcer, Stomach acids, Urine problems
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Pot Marigold
The best thing about this plant is it can be grown under normal climatic
conditions. It is commonly known for its great benefits for the skin –
however, it is amazingly for external uses like: Insect bites, Sore eyes,
Wounds and stings. It also works best for: Fevers, Infections (chronic),
Varicose veins
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Chinese Yam
This type of yam can be eaten to cure tonic effects in spleen and stomach.
In addition, it helps in treating lungs and kidneys. You can also treat:,
Tiredness, Diarrhea, Dry coughs, Poor digestion, Helps in weight loss,
Problematic urination, Diabetes, Snake and Scorpio bites
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Tea Tree
It contains amazing benefits like antibacterial, anti fungal and works best
as antiseptic. In addition, it treats: Burns, Fever, Athlete foot, fatigue
syndrome, Acne and warts, Insect bites
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Lemon Balm
The leaves of this plant have mint like smell and provides nourishing image.
It has big summer flowers, which can be rubbed against the skin for: Animal
bites, Mosquito bites, Sores, Herpes. The nectar that is used with water in
form of juice is beneficial for: Fevers, Colds and cough, Depression,
Headaches, Upset stomach, Insomnia
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Thyme
It is mostly known for its strong antiseptic nature. It is wonderful when it
comes to the treatment of: Congestion, Stomach gas, Coughs
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Basil
It has the power to treat: Cuts, Lack of appetite, Stomach gas, scrapes
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Sage
You must have had used sage in your food – interestingly, it has the
capacity to treat: Skin infection, Gum infection (mouth infections), Helps in
digestion, Helps in unblocking menopause
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Turkey Rhubarb
It works well for the digestion problems and maintains balance in the
digestive system. This herb is very gentle and treats: Constipation,
Menstrual problem, Bladder problem, Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids
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ORNAMENTAL PLANTS AND PLANTS USED FOR
FRAGRANCE
Ornamental plants are grown for decoration, rather than food or raw
materials. They are most often intentionally planted for aesthetic appeal.
However, ornamental plants also serve some less obvious uses such as for
fragrance, for attracting wildlife and for cleaning the air
Tulips
Tulips (tulipa x hybrida) are herbaceous perennials with a distinctive form
and are available in all colors except true blue. They are a striking
ornamental plant in massed beds, planter boxes or containers. Tulips grow
in USDA zones 3 to 7 and prefer full sun to partial shade on various soils.
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Holly Trees and Shrubs
Holly trees and shrubs (Ilex species), with their often shiny green foliage
and bright-red berries, are popular ornamental landscape plants. Some
holly trees, like the dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), reach 40 feet tall, whereas
dwarf burford hollies (Ilex cornuta 'Dwarf Burford') only reach 6 to 8 feet.
Many Ilex species make good specimen trees. Most hollies prefer full to
partial sun conditions, on nutrient-rich, well-drained, moist soils. Holly
hardiness varies by species, but are typically suitable to USDA zone 6 or 7.
Roses
Roses (Rosa species and hybrids) are grown as hedges, specimens or in
groupings, as wall and fences coverings or on trellises and arbors. Roses
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are used in many landscapes and suited for growth in USDA zones 4 through
10, making this plant a popular choice throughout the United States. Most
roses require sunny locations and well-drained, organic soils.
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Petunias
Petunias (Petunia x hybrida) are popular edging, bedding, or container
plants, often grown as annuals, although they are perennial plants in warm
climates such as in USDA zones 10 and 11. Petunias come in many colors
and combinations, including reds, blues, whites, and may be striped or have
other markings. Many petunias are cultivated for their flower form, size and
color. Petunias prefer full sun to light shade on nutrient-rich soils.
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Pampas Grass
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a good example of an ornamental
grass. It grows in USDA zones 7b through 10 and produces tall clumps of
arching, thin, strappy leaves and fluffy, feather-like flower plumes. Large
cultivars, like 'Sunningdale silver', reach 10 feet tall, and dwarf pampas
grass reaches 3 to 6 feet tall. Pampas grass performs best in full sun, but
tolerates partial shade. It is drought tolerant and withstands salt spray in
seaside locations. Most soils are adequate, except those that are very wet.
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