most unusual produce

[me&thegals]

One of my favorite parts of gardening is trying out new, unusual things. By trying new things, I've come to love Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, all varieties of beets, kale, arugula and others.

What sorts of things do you love to grow and eat that may not be found in a typical grocery store?

 

[beavis]

Cherimoyas, Mulberries, Loquats...

 

[me&thegals]

Mulberries grow wild around here--dark purple and a kind of maggot color
But, what are cherimoyas and loquats?!?

 

[Rosalind]

Mulberries, runner beans, antique fruit (bittersharp cider apples, russet apples), Alpine strawberries, multicolored sweet & pop corn (Rainbow Inca &c.), purple podded snap beans. Lots of edible flowers, too--nasturtiums especially.

 

[allabout]

And to think that I'm still thinking about the post that Beav. put up about Wonderberries. Now you guys....(wait, from Alabama)..ya'll really got me going with these strange, unheard of fruits and veggies. Surely there is something odd I grow down here. Nope, can't think of a thing.

 

[me&thegals]

Hey--I just came across Wonderberries in one of the catalogues I was perusing today! They sound really tasty. A bit bigger than a pea, purple, said to be even yummier than blueberries. Maybe I should try them... Does anybody know if they are annuals or perennials?

 

[beavis]

I just bought them from Baker Creek, but I am scared to plant them.

They look just like Deadly Nightshade which occasionally springs up on our property.

I wouldn't want my two girls to mistakenly confuse the two of them.

If you want, I'll mail you my unopened seed packet for Wonderberries...

 

[me&thegals]

Do you know anything about their growth habits, if they're perennial or annual? I'm interested if they would grow well as a perennial in zone 4. Know what you mean about the kids! My kids have gotten so used to everything being edible in our yard and garden that I have to remind them so often to not eat ANYthing unless they absolutely know it to be edible. And, yes, it sure does look like nightshade!

 

[beavis]

I am guessing it would not be a perennial in your area. Most of the Solanum (sp?) genus can't survive freezing temperatures.

 

[vfem]

Actually I was suckered into egg plant by the people at the chicken farm last summer. I was always iffy about eggplant. Well, I went a bought some fresh eggs for the husband's birthday (my chickens were all broody) and they were harvesting from their garden and gave me a bag few of beans, tomatoes and eggplant. So I put some in a chili I made and it was such an awesome texture... now I'll be growing some of my own from the seeds I saved from what they gave me. Wish me luck!