Garlic botanically called Allium Sativum is a species of bulbous flowering plant. The plant is native to Central Asia but grows wild in Italy and Southern France and is a classic ingredient in many national cuisines. It is naturally creamy white but it can turn green or blue when exposed to an acidic environment. Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family which is low in calories and rich in Vitamin C, B6, and Manganese. This plant is known for its numerous benefits such as reducing the effect of hypertension, dementia, improves heart health and so on. Garlic is the second most consumed paint of the Allium genus worldwide. It is produced all over the world, with approximately 2.5 million acres of land devoted to its production worldwide.
Ginger, botanically called Zingiber Officinale is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Zingiberaceae probably native to Southern Asia, ginger root is used as a spice and folk medicine. Ginger comes in a pale yellow colour, it is used to treat variety of ailments which includes, dysmenorrhea, nausea, and it even lowers blood sugar. It is also used in the preparation of medicines and confectioneries. In the cosmetic industry, ginger is utilized as a scent and skin-conditioning ingredient for fragrances, lotions, and balms.
Mangoes, also known as "the king of fruits," are tropical stone fruits that are classified as drupes. The scientific name for mango is ‘Mangifera indica’. There are numerous varieties of mango. Mangoes' inner flesh is primarily golden yellow, despite the fact that their skin can be green, red, yellow, or orange. Mangoes provide a lot of health benefits since they are an excellent source of the vitamins A, C, and D as well as minerals that help nourish and improve the body. They can also fight against various diseases like cancer, heat stroke, diabetes, improve sex life and is good for the hair and skin. Mango bark, leaves, skin, flesh, and pit have all been used in traditional medicine. Mango seeds and kernels are processed and used as a source of starch and protein. It is best to avoid determining a mango's ripeness only by its color. While a minor color change is to be anticipated during the ripening process, consumers should also keep an eye out for fresh mangoes that yield slightly to the touch.
cabbage , comprising several cultivars of Brassica Oleracea is a leafy green, red, or white biennial plant grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense-leafed heads. It comes in a variety of shapes and colours, including red, purple, white, and green and its leaves can either be crinkled or smooth. This vegetable is grown around the world for thousands of years and can be found in variety of dishes like sauerkraut, kimchi, and coleslaw. Cabbage is high in nutrients and Vitain C, it aids digestion and reduces inflammation. It is a low-calorie, nearly fat-free food that is a good source of Potassium, Folate, and Vitamin K. A hectare of Cabbage farm in Nigeria can yield 70-80 tons or more if all plantinging conditions are fully met. In addition, since it is in high demand in Nigerian market, its marketability is not in doubt.
Avocado(Persea Americana), also called alligator pear, tree of the family Lauraceae and its edible fruit. Avocados are native to the Western Hemisphere from Mexico South to the Andean regions and are widely grown in warm climates. As the fruit ripens, its color changes from purple to green to black. Both industry and consumers depend on this color change as a ripeness indicator. Avocados may help reduce heart disease risk factors and it is an excellent source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C and E. The extracts gotten from Avocado are used in the cosmetic industry for the production of facial and hair oil. This further proves the extension value chain of avocado production and processing.
The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is certainly familiar to you. The apple fruit is a crisp, vivid fruit. Scientifically known as ‘Malus domestica’. Each apple type has a unique form, color and texture. An apple can taste sweet or sour, depending on the variety you're eating. Apple flesh contains a lot of malic acid, which is frequently used to treat skin disorders, dry mouth, gallstone. Also used for medication and other purposes. According to several research, eating apples frequently may lower your risk of cancer. They are effective in preventing cancer and other ailments since they contain pectin, quercetin, procyanidins, and vitamin C. So, instead of taking supplements, why not enjoy a tasty apple? In addition, apples are used to make jam, applesauce, apple butter, vinegar, juice, and canned pie stock.
Potatoes are vegetables. For scientific purposes, the potato is known as ‘Solanum tuberosum’. It is also known as a spud. A potato is about 80% water and 20% solids. Its been proven that you can live off potatoes because a majority of the nutrients required for maintaining a healthy human body can be obtained from a diet of whole milk and potatoes. Brown, yellow, red, and pink are just a few of the many colors that potatoes may be. Potatoes don't contain any fat. They have important nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin B6 and numerous minerals. Niacin, choline and zinc can all be found in potatoes. Different types of potatoes offer a little bit of variation in nutrients. Potatoes have been proven to be beneficial to the stomach, spleen and intestines. They help decrease inflammation and constipation. They also improve heart health, digestion, immune system strength and fluid balance. Alcoholic drinks including akvavit, potcheen and vodka are brewed using potatoes. For soups and sauces, potato starch can be used as a thickener and binder.
Asparagus officinalis is a plant species in the family of Asparagaceae from which the popular vegetable known as asparagus is obtained the species is originated in the eastern Mediterranean region but is now a widely-cultivated vegetable crop. It comes in a variety of colours; green, white, and purple and it is used in dishes around the world. Asparagus is a nutritious and tasty addition of any diet. It’s low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Additionally, eating asparagus has a number of potential health benefits, including weight loss improved digestion, healthy pregnancy outcomes and lower blood pressure. Studies suggest that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Asparagus is considered as a rejuvenating female tonic for overall health and vitality. It also improves uterine growth, mitigates dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, augments fertility and imparts anabolic properties.
In the plant kingdom, grapes are berries with the botanical name "Vitis". There are around 10,000 different varieties of grapes. In addition to wine, there are red, green and purple grapes, seedless grapes, grape jelly, jam and juice as well as raisins, currents and sultanas. They are an excellent source of water and fiber. Grapes are packed with nutrients. They are loaded with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that is essential for the development of connective tissue, the immune system, and wound healing. They are also a fantastic source of potassium, which is necessary for kidney and heart health, muscular contraction, and nerve signal transmission, as well as vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and the maintenance of strong bones. It is advised that women should limit themselves to one glass of wine each day, while men should limit themselves to two. Blue grapes are used to make red wine. White grapes are mostly used for white wines. Light-colored rosé wines, which are manufactured the same way as white wine from red grapes, are popular nowadays. Sparkling wine undergoes some of its fermentation inside the bottle, because of the resultant carbonic acid, the beverage sparkles.
Carrots, scientifically called “Daucus Carota” is a root vegetable, usually crunchy, tasty, and highly nutritious. Yellow, orange, white, and purple are just a few of the various colours of carrots. The antioxidant beta-carotene, which your body transforms into Vitamin A, gives orange carrots their vibrant colour. The body gains a multitude of health benefits from carrots’ high fiber, vitamin K1 content, and antioxidant content. Carrots have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, improve eye health, and cut the risk of cancer, making them a healthy weight-loss meal. In the culinary, drug, and cosmetic industries, carrots can be used as a raw ingredient. There is a significant market for carrot oils in the beauty industry, which are created by extracting carrots.
Cashew is a kidney-shaped nut with a two-layered shell that is also known by its scientific name, “Anacardium Occidentale L”. It is roughly the size of a large bean. Although cashew nuts were originally only grown in Brazil they are now widely grown throughout the entire tropical world, especially in India and East Africa. Consumption of a small serving of cashews daily helps in a slight decrease in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) ‘bad’ cholesterol. Due to their high magnesium concentration, cashews also aid in the prevention of heart disease. Cashew nuts are a great source of zinc, which is essential for boosting male sperm count and improving chances of conception. Additionally regular cashew consumption may aid in controlling diabetes and weight,, which significantly increase male fertility. 50% of cashew nuts are made up of fat. It is a good source of vitamin E and minerals including magnesium and zinc. Additionally cashews include vitamins B and C. Cashew nut shells may provide energy in both solid and liquid forms through a variety of methods. Even when it’s raw, it can be turned bio-crude. Once the oil has been removed, it can be used to create a cake than be burned as a solid fuel to generate energy.
Cassava is a root vegetable or tuber, native to South America and widely consumed in many countries around the globe. It is botanically called “Manihot Esculenta”. Nigeria, Thailand, and Indonesia are the top cassava-producing countries in the world. Cassava is particularly high in vitamin C, an important vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen production, and enhances immunity, among other benefits. It is also rich in copper, a mineral necessary for neurotransmitter synthesis, energy production, iron metabolism, and more. Cassava is used to produce tapioca,a type of starch, as well as garri, a product similar to tapioca. It is the most extensively cultivated crop in the Southern part of Nigeria, it contributes largely to the country’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and a major source of income to rural farmers.
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Though tomato is generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable, botanically it’s a fruit. Nigeria is the 14th largest producer of tomatoes in the world, second in Africa and accounts for about 65% of all tomatoes produced in West Africa. Tomatoes processing into tomato paste, ketchup, and saue among others is considered an investment opportunity that is profitable for the country.
Guava, botanically known as ‘Psidium Guajava’, is oval in shape and ranges in colour from green to yellow. The flesh inside can be white, yellow, pink, or red with numerous yellowish seeds. Guava is an ancient remedy for a variety of ailments. You can consume guava fruits straight from the tree or prepare paste, jellies, jams, nectars from them because they are rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, and Pectins. Guava powder is produced from its dehydrated fruit. Guava is a powerful stress-relieving, immune boosting fruit that is rich in minerals and antioxidants. According to preliminary studies, the components of guava leaf extract may be effective in treating a variety of conditions and symptoms, such as menstrual cramps, diarrhea, the flu, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Guavas that have been dehydrated can be grinded into a powder (guava powder) and used to flavor ice cream, sweets, and fruit juices
Maize, botanically called “Zea Mays” is a cereal crop that is grown widely throughout the world in a range of agroecological environments. Maize is a tall plant which produces long objects covered with yellow seeds called sweet corn. It’s the seed of a plant in the grass family, native to Central America but grow in countless varieties worldwide. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the predominant carotenoids in corn accounting for approximately 70% of the total carotenoid content and studies have shown that they may boost eye health. Production of maize in Nigeria has raised the standard of living, providing income to smallholder farmers and increased foreign exchange earnings.
Bell pepper is botanically called “Capsicum Annuum” also known as sweet pepper, native to Central and South America, bell peppers are mostly handpicked. The plant produce comes in variety of colours like yellow, red, green, white, chocolate, and even purple. Bell peppers are great source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants which improves eye health and prevents anaemia. Green pepper extracts can be used in the production of bio-insecticide. In 2020, Nigeria was ranked 7th with the share in the production of 2.11% worth of bell pepper
Guava, botanically known as ‘Psidium Guajava’, is oval in shape and ranges in colour from green to yellow. The flesh inside can be white, yellow, pink, or red with numerous yellowish seeds. Guava is an ancient remedy for a variety of ailments. You can consume guava fruits straight from the tree or prepare paste, jellies, jams, nectars from them because they are rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, and Pectins. Guava powder is produced from its dehydrated fruit. Guava is a powerful stress-relieving, immune boosting fruit that is rich in minerals and antioxidants. According to preliminary studies, the components of guava leaf extract may be effective in treating a variety of conditions and symptoms, such as menstrual cramps, diarrhea, the flu, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Guavas that have been dehydrated can be grinded into a powder (guava powder) and used to flavor ice cream, sweets, and fruit juices
Turmeric is botanically called “Curcuma Longa”. It is a tropical perennial plant, native to india and Indonesia and is cultivated throughout the tropics around the world. It is also known as the “golden spice of life” and is one of the most essential spices used as an important ingredient in culinary all over the world. Tumeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow colour, with its main ingredient as Curcumin. Several studies suggest that Curcumin can lead to improvements in heart health and also boost brain power amongst other health benefits. Nigeria is the fourth largest producer of turmeric with about 3% of the global annual production. Turmeric is also used in the preparation of cosmetics which is an investment and contributes to the country’s beauty line.
Wheat is a grass widely cultivated for its seed, a cereal grain that is a world wide staple food. The many species of wheat together make up the genus Triticum aestivum. Its characteristic color, a light but vibrant shade of yellow, makes wheat easy to recognize. The brown-red or orange-yellow carotenoids in its kernel are what give it its color. Whole wheat and other whole grain cereals may promote gut health and reduce your risk of colon cancer. Wheat is used to make bread, pasta such as spaghetti and macaroni and club wheat a softer type is used for cake, crackers, cookies, pastries and flours. Wheats are utilized by industries to make flour, paste, malt, gluten, alcohol, and other products, which contributes to the economic gain.
Guava, botanically known as ‘Psidium Guajava’, is oval in shape and ranges in colour from green to yellow. The flesh inside can be white, yellow, pink, or red with numerous yellowish seeds. Guava is an ancient remedy for a variety of ailments. You can consume guava fruits straight from the tree or prepare paste, jellies, jams, nectars from them because they are rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, and Pectins. Guava powder is produced from its dehydrated fruit. Guava is a powerful stress-relieving, immune boosting fruit that is rich in minerals and antioxidants. According to preliminary studies, the components of guava leaf extract may be effective in treating a variety of conditions and symptoms, such as menstrual cramps, diarrhea, the flu, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Guavas that have been dehydrated can be grinded into a powder (guava powder) and used to flavor ice cream, sweets, and fruit juices
Turmeric is botanically called “Curcuma Longa”. It is a tropical perennial plant, native to india and Indonesia and is cultivated throughout the tropics around the world. It is also known as the “golden spice of life” and is one of the most essential spices used as an important ingredient in culinary all over the world. Tumeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow colour, with its main ingredient as Curcumin. Several studies suggest that Curcumin can lead to improvements in heart health and also boost brain power amongst other health benefits. Nigeria is the fourth largest producer of turmeric with about 3% of the global annual production. Turmeric is also used in the preparation of cosmetics which is an investment and contributes to the country’s beauty line.