The 15 most common edible stems

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Sherman Hoover

What are edible stems?

The edible stems They are those stems of plants that can be used in culinary preparations. They are usually divided into those vegetables with edible stems that are above the ground and those with modified stems below the surface.

Crop plants that are grown for their starchy roots and tubers are called root and tuber crops. They are generally located under the domain of agronomy. But low human consumption can be considered as vegetables in horticulture.

Edible plant stems are a part of plants that are consumed by humans. Most plants are composed of roots, stems, leaves, flowers and produce fruits that contain seeds..

Commonly, humans eat the seeds (corn or coffee), the fruits (tomatoes), the leaves (lettuce or spinach), or the roots (carrots and beets), but they also eat the stems of many plants. There are also edible petioles and edible flowers.

Plant stems have a variety of functions; they support the whole plant and have leaves, flowers and fruits. They are also a vital connection between leaves and roots; conduct water and mineral nutrients.

Examples of edible stems

1- Sugar cane

Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum)

The edible portion is the inner stem whose sap is a source of sugar. In its raw form and can be chewed to extract a sweet juice. This tall, evergreen grass is native to the hot, tropical temperatures of South Asia and Melanesia..

In addition to sugar, some products derived from this plant include molasses, rum, ethanol and bagasse.

2- Bamboo

Bamboo. Source: https://pixabay.com/

It is a blooming evergreen plant; stem regions are usually empty. The edible part is the young and emerging shoot. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world.

This plant is used in many dishes of Asian cuisine; They are available in supermarkets in different shapes already cut, both fresh and canned..

3- Kohlrabi

This plant is from the mustard family. The main consumable part of the plant is the base stem that forms a spherical structure. It can be consumed both raw and cooked.

Its flavor and texture are similar to that of a broccoli stalk or the heart of a cabbage, but softer and sweeter. The young stem can be as crisp and juicy as an apple, although less sweet.

4- Asparagus

It is a species of perennial flowering plant in the genus Asparagus. It is native to most of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia; It is widely cultivated horticultural crop.

Asparagus grows between 100 and 150 cm tall, with multi-branched stems and feathery foliage. Its leaves are modified stems in the leaves; they measure from six to 32 mm long and 1 mm wide, they are gathered in groups of four to 15 in the shape of a rose. Its fruit is a small red ball that is poisonous to humans.

Only young asparagus are commonly eaten: once the buds begin to open, the shoots become woody.

Asparagus is made up of around 93% water; they are low in sodium and calories. It is a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, it is a good source of fiber.

Sprouts are prepared and served in a myriad of ways around the world, typically served as an aperitif or as a vegetable side..

It is usually served sautéed with shrimp, chicken, or beef. It can also be cooked on the grill or boiled; commonly used in boiled and soups.

5- Rhubarb

The red or green stems are the portion of the edible plant; the leaves are toxic. Rhubarb is a perennial herb that produces short, thick rhizomes.

In the kitchen, fresh, raw stems are crisp. Although it is not a fruit, it is generally prepared as if it were. Commonly the stems are cooked with sugar and used in pies, crumbles and other desserts..

6- Celery or celery

Celery has a long, fibrous stem that turns into leaves. This entire plant is edible, including the crisp petiole (the leaf-shaped stem) and the fleshy root.

Depending on the location and cultivation, both the leaves and the stems are eaten and used in different ways in the kitchen..

A stem of celery separates into groups of leaves. The head of celery is usually sold as a vegetable. Usually only on the leaf-shaped stems are eaten.

There is a species of wild celery that has an earthy taste and a distinctive smell. Its stems are commonly used in French cuisine, especially in stews and soups..

7- Echalote

It is a family of onion, garlic, and garlic joint. The edible portion is mainly swollen leaves with a little stem.

They are used in fresh cooking in addition to making pickles. In Asian cuisine they are used as a condiment. It has a taste similar to the common onion but with a milder flavor.

8- Cinnamon

Its bark is used as a species. This bark is obtained from several species of trees of the genus Cinnamomun. Cinnamon is used in sweet and savory foods.

Cinnamon is an evergreen tree characterized by oval leaves, a thick bark, and fruit. When the species is grown, the bark and leaves are the primary parts of the plant used.

Stems should be processed immediately after cultivation while the inner bark is still wet.

The cut stems are processed by scratching the outer bark, and then hammering the branch to loosen the inner bark which is rolled into long logs..

9- Radish

Radishes are consumed all over the world, mainly eaten raw as a salad vegetable. There are many varieties that vary in size, color and flavor.

10- Figs

The fig is a species of tree native to the tropics. The edible part is stem tissue. They can be eaten both fresh and dried.

11- Chard

Its stem can be yellow, white or red, the raw leaves have vitamins C, A and magnesium. The green, tender stems with bright colored leaves are the best flavor.

Chard should be washed well, add some acid such as vinegar, and avoid getting too black when cooked. They are served covered in sauces, vinaigrettes or fried.

12- Fern buds

They are fronds that are served in different ways such as steamed or in soups accompanied with sauces or vinaigrettes. Scales should be removed, washed and dried properly.

13- Fennel

This plant is used as a condiment, medicinal plant and vegetable. Its smooth and aniseed flavor make it a highly appreciated food. It can be eaten raw in salad, sautéed, grilled or as vegetables in stews.

14- Edible thistle

The stems of thistle are often blanched to reduce their bitter taste and make them more tender. It is cooked with ham, battered or au gratin.

15- Palmito

It is obtained It is the inner part of the stem of certain types of palm trees. They taste similar to artichoke. They can be eaten raw and are also sold canned. Sliced ​​served with vinaigrette sauce. They go well with salads, seafood, béchamel and ham.

References

  1. Tasty stem and Bulb vegetables. Recovered from ranker.com.
  2. Ficus. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
  3. Edible plant stem. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
  4. Radish. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
  5. Shallot. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
  6. Bamboo. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
  7. Celery. Recovered from wikipedia.org.

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