The leaves can be long and spiked or shorter and more rounded, but they all share that dark green color. People commonly add fresh arugula to salads, but it also works well incorporated into pasta, casseroles, and sauces, just like other leafy greens. Due to its peppery flavor, people often mix arugula with other milder greens, such as watercress and romaine. Arugula is high in vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Baby spinach (Spinacia oleracea) refers to the young, tender leaves of spinach plants harvested early in their growth cycle. Smaller and more delicate than mature spinach, baby spinach is prized for its mild flavor, smooth texture, and versatility in a wide range of dishes. It is a nutrient-dense green that is commonly used in salads, smoothies, sautés, and as a garnish. Baby spinach has small, delicate leaves that wilt to a slippery mass when cooked. The flavor of baby spinach is also much milder than that of mature bagged and bunched spinach.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is a nutrient-dense vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family. It features tightly packed green flower buds (the crown) atop thick stalks, often accompanied by smaller leaves. Known for its slightly bitter and earthy flavor, broccoli is highly versatile and can be steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or eaten raw.
In hydroponics, broccoli grows well with proper care in systems like NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) or DWC (Deep Water Culture). It requires moderate temperatures, nutrient balance, and sufficient light for optimal growth.
It is best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as braising or boiling. Predominately used as the principal ingredient in salad, its textures and subtle flavors are a perfect canvas for savory and bold, or bright, fruity companion ingredients. It is also commonly layered in sandwiches or used as a wrap for tuna or chicken.
It is high in fiber and cellulose, it is heart healthy. It also helps with insomnia.
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a popular vegetable known for its crisp texture and refreshing flavor. It is characterized by long, fibrous stalks that taper into leafy tops. Celery is commonly eaten raw as a snack, added to salads, soups, and stews, or juiced for its health benefits.
In hydroponics, celery thrives in nutrient-rich water systems and grows upright, making it an efficient crop to cultivate. It requires steady light, humidity, and moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Culinary Uses and Practical Benefits
Versatile in Cooking: Use in soups, stews, smoothies, salads, or as a snack with dips.
Juicing Trend: Celery juice is renowned for its detoxifying and skin-cleansing properties.
Long Shelf Life: When grown hydroponically, celery stays fresh longer, providing consistent quality year-round.
Adding celery to your hydroponic crop range is a smart move, appealing to health-conscious consumers and culinary enthusiasts alike! 🌱
Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis), also known as Napa cabbage, is a leafy vegetable widely used in Asian and global cuisines. It is recognized for its mild, sweet flavor, crisp texture, and high nutritional value, making it a favorite in salads, stir-fries, soups, and fermented dishes like kimchi.
Key Features:
Appearance: Chinese cabbage has an elongated head with tightly packed, pale green leaves that are broad, crinkly, and tender. The veins are prominent and add a slight crunch.
Flavor: The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, without the sharpness typically associated with other cabbages.
Nutritional Value: It is low in calories but high in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, folate, calcium, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants and dietary fiber, promoting digestion and overall health.
Coriander, Coriandrum Sativum, is an erect annual herb in the family Apiaceae. The Leaves of the plant are variable in shape, & Slender & feathery higher on the flowering stems. It is a soft, hairless plant. The flowers are produced in small umbels & are white or Very pale pink in colour with the petals pointing away from the centre of the umbel longer than those pointing towards it. All parts of the coriander plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are most commonly used. Leaves and seeds are used fresh or dried as a herb in cooking.
Kale is a bright green, dark green, or purple, with tight, ruffled leaves that are easy to tear. Curly kale is the most common type of kale. Kale can be steamed, sauteed, boiled, or chopped and used raw in salads.
It can also be added to soups. Kale leaves can be baked till crispy to make it as a healthy chips alternative.Nutrients in Kale can help in reducing cholesterol, prevent cancer and losing weight by filling you up with a high water content but few calories
Fenugreek is a versatile herb and spice known for its distinct aroma, slightly bitter taste, and numerous health benefits. It is widely used in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. Native to the Mediterranean region, fenugreek is now cultivated globally, especially in India, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Key Features:
Culinary Use:
Leaves: Fresh or dried fenugreek leaves (methi) are used in curries, stews, and flatbreads. They impart a robust, earthy flavor.
Seeds: Small, golden-brown seeds are roasted and ground into spice blends like garam masala or soaked for sprouts in salads and dishes.
Nutritional Value:
Rich in proteins, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Fenugreek also contains bioactive compounds like saponins and flavonoids, contributing to its health benefits.
Health Benefits:
Fenugreek is believed to aid in digestion, improve blood sugar control, promote lactation in nursing mothers, and support heart health.
Flavor Profile:
Slightly nutty with a hint of bitterness when raw, but it develops a caramel-like sweetness when cooked.
Fenugreek is prized for its adaptability in recipes and its long-standing reputation in traditional medicine. Its earthy, aromatic presence enhances any dish it accompanies while contributing valuable nutrients.
Italian basil is a variety of sweet basil, known for its aromatic leaves and rich, slightly peppery flavor that is a key component of many Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Often recognized for its large, glossy, deep green leaves, Italian basil is a staple in cuisines around the world, particularly in pesto, pasta sauces, and as a garnish for dishes like pizza and caprese salad.
Italian basil is characterized by its robust flavor, which combines hints of pepper, mint, and anise. Unlike other types of basil, such as Thai or purple basil, Italian basil has a milder, sweeter taste that works well with a wide range of savory dishes, especially those featuring tomatoes.
Reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause dental decay. Reduce memory loss associated with stress and aging.
Kohlrabi, also known as turnip cabbage or German turnip, is a member of the brassica family, which includes cabbage, kale, and broccoli. It is a unique and versatile vegetable that is appreciated for its crunchy texture and mildly sweet, peppery flavor. Kohlrabi is commonly used in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. It can be eaten raw or cooked and adds a refreshing and crisp element to a variety of dishes.
Kohlrabi is a nutrient-dense, versatile vegetable that offers a wealth of health benefits, including promoting digestive health, boosting immunity, and supporting heart and bone health. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture make it a great addition to a variety of dishes, whether raw, roasted, or stir-fried. Add kohlrabi to your meals for a delicious and nutritious boost, and enjoy its many culinary possibilities!