Unusual Edibles for Your Backyard Landscape

Are you bored with the usual fruits and vegetables in your garden? Are you looking for new and exciting alternatives to grow in your backyard? Look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to some unusual edibles that will spice up your backyard landscape. These plants not only add a unique touch to your garden but also provide nutritious and delicious produce for your meals. Read on to discover these unconventional options.

1. Purple Cauliflower

Purple cauliflower is a colorful and nutritious addition to any meal.

Move over, white cauliflower! Purple cauliflower is the new kid in town. This vibrant vegetable is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber. When cooked, the purple color fades to an attractive shade of green. It's perfect for roasting, grilling, or adding to salads.

2. Kiwano

Kiwano, also known as horned melon, has a unique appearance and taste.

If you're looking for a fruit that's out of the ordinary, try growing kiwano, also known as horned melon. This spiky fruit has a bright orange exterior and a jelly-like green interior filled with edible seeds. Its flavor is described as a combination of banana, cucumber, and lemon. Kiwano is a great source of vitamin C and potassium, and can be eaten raw or used in smoothies and cocktails.

3. Ginger

Ginger root adds a spicy kick to dishes and has many health benefits.

Ginger root may not be as visually striking as other plants on this list, but it certainly packs a flavor punch. This versatile root adds a spicy, warm flavor to dishes and beverages. Ginger is also known for its medicinal properties, such as reducing inflammation and aiding digestion. You can grow ginger indoors or outdoors, as long as it's in a warm and shady spot.

4. Blue Potatoes

Blue potatoes add a pop of color to classic potato dishes.

Who says potatoes have to be brown or yellow? Blue potatoes are a fun and unexpected variety to add to your garden. They have a blue-tinted skin and flesh, which turns a vibrant shade of purple when cooked. Blue potatoes are rich in antioxidants and have a slightly nutty flavor. You can use them in any recipe that calls for potatoes, such as fries, mash, or gratin.

5. Salsify

Salsify, also known as oyster plant, has a subtle flavor similar to oysters.

Salsify, also known as oyster plant, may not be well-known but it's definitely worth trying. This root vegetable has a subtle flavor that's been compared to oysters or artichokes. It's high in fiber, iron, and potassium, and can be boiled, roasted, or mashed. Salsify is also a beautiful plant, with delicate purple or white flowers that bloom in the summer.

6. Okra

Okra is a staple in Southern cooking and can be grilled, fried, or stewed.

Okra may not be as exotic as some of the other plants on this list, but it's definitely underrated. This green vegetable is a staple in Southern cooking and can be grilled, fried, or stewed. It's also a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and fiber. If you live in a warm climate, okra is easy to grow and produces abundant pods throughout the summer.

7. Ground Cherries

Ground cherries have a sweet and tangy flavor and can be eaten fresh or used in desserts.

Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries, are a unique type of fruit that's encased in a papery husk. They have a sweet and tangy flavor, similar to pineapple or cherry tomatoes. Ground cherries are a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. They can be eaten fresh, added to salads, or used in desserts such as pies and jams.

8. Asparagus Peas

Asparagus peas have a mild asparagus flavor and can be steamed, stir-fried, or roasted.

Asparagus peas, also known as winged beans, are a legume that's popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. They have a mild asparagus flavor and a crunchy texture. Asparagus peas are high in protein, fiber, and minerals such as calcium and iron. They can be steamed, stir-fried, or roasted, and are often used in salads and curries.

Pick one or several of these unusual edibles to add some excitement to your backyard landscape. Whether you're looking for a colorful vegetable, a tropical fruit, or a flavorful herb, these options will not disappoint. Happy gardening!