Everyday Foods Before They're Harvested

Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It not only tastes and smells great, but it also has several health advantages. Saffron can aid with depression and has been linked to studies that look at cancer. But why does saffron cost so much? That's because the spice comes from a pretty purple flower, but only the stigma of this tiny bloom has the spice. Most flowers only have three stigmas, therefore the spice is relatively rare.

Even though saffron may be grown in as little as ten weeks, it is a prized and expensive spice because each bloom only produces a small amount of it.

Starfruit

In the past several years, this delicious fruit has become much more popular, and you can now find it in supermarkets all over the world. Its unusual shape is one reason why it has become so famous. The name comes from the fact that the fruit looks like a star when it is cut. These fruits grow on very big trees, and most people like that they don't need any care. When starfruit are still on trees, they look more like big seed pods or strange flowers than fruit.

These fruits are tasty, sweet, and juicy, but health experts say you should only eat them in small amounts. Too much of anything might be bad for your kidneys.

Leeks

Many people don't enjoy the flavor or texture of leeks, although they are a common vegetable in Ireland and many Asian nations. You can typically find them in soups, dumplings, and stews. You can easily find these stalky vegetables at your local grocery store, but they appear like something out of a fantasy movie when you see them outside. That is because they have clusters of small blooms that are different colors. It takes at least 170 days for these unique crops to grow.

Leeks will grow all year long if you plant them in places with mild temperatures. If you like leeks, that's great news. And they're high in fiber, so eat a lot!

Zucchinis

Zucchinis are particularly popular right now since they are so versatile and have a mild flavor. They can be used in stir-fries, as a substitute for spaghetti, or even in baking! No one can deny that they are useful in the cooking, but they might trick us when they are still on the plant. Zucchini plants grow close to the ground, and their form makes them look more like cucumbers than zucchini. There is a beautiful brilliant yellow bloom on one end.

A lot of people don't know that we can eat the flower too. Because it tastes fresh and looks nice, it is a favorite soup ingredient in Asia.

Lentils

These great beans are particularly popular among vegetarians, vegans, and bodybuilders since they are high in protein and fiber. They can last for years once they are dried, so they are great to have on hand for when you need them. They can be put in cans, just like chickpeas and asparagus. You can easily get lentils at the store, but it's not as easy to find them outside. This is because lentils seem more like mossy grass than beans as they are growing.

Lentil plants grow close to the ground and can be as tall as 50 cm. They can also feel rather hairy. Since they like a lot of room, it is best to put them widely apart.

Cacao

Chocolate is one of the most popular sweets in the world because it tastes great and can be used in many ways. Some kinds of chocolate are also very good for your health. We know where to find the chocolate aisle in our favorite store, but we might not know where to find the cacao seed on a tree. This is because cacao needs a lot of labor before it can be turned into the tasty treat we know. Before that, the seeds look really strange and unappealing.

Very tall trees in hot, humid regions generate huge cocoa seeds. A strong shell protects them. We may take the seeds out and turn them into our favorite chocolates when they fall to the ground.