Vegetable

Edible leaves, stems, flower buds, or immature pods harvested for savory dishes. Although botanically some are fruits, culinarily they’re treated as vegetables (eggplant, okra). Tag when the non-sweet portion is the main food product.

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  Black-Eyed Pea: Crop, Culture, Class

  The black-eyed pea has a rich global history, shifting from a sacred African symbol to a humble food for laborers and enslaved peoples. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide as both a cultural touchstone and a versatile ingredient that bridges old and new traditions.
  legume, vegetable, drought-tolerant, staple
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  Eggplant: Food, Sex, and Poison

  The eggplant is more than just a versatile global ingredient—it’s also a cultural symbol, from culinary staple to emoji innuendo. This story traces its journey from domestication and dietary use to its surprising role in digital expression, revealing how food carries layered meanings across cultures.
  vegetable, tropical
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  Okra: An Enduring Kitchen Staple

  Okra, a cultivated plant with no clear wild ancestor, has deep roots in tropical regions from Southeast Asia to West Africa. This story traces its botanical history and celebrates its enduring role as a symbol of African diasporic resilience and cultural heritage.
  vegetable, tropical, heat-tolerant