What is the one most beneficial food to grow?

1. 96

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   What is the one most beneficial food to grow?
   
   What food that can be grown is the most beneficial to grow? Is there one that can be used in the most meals? I am trying to plan next years garden and want to grow the foods that can be used the most.

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2. 60

   Insane Mundaneposted 11 years ago

   Tomatoes and potatoes are very versatile, and can be used for various types of meals.  This question sort of depends on the person.  I mean, personally, I can use a lot of what I grow almost everyday.  I had a limited crop this year, due to moving and not buying a new plow.  I only grew tomatoes, okra, squash and peppers.  I can cook and use those foods in a variety of dishes, although some people may not like okra, for example.  It depends on how picky the people you are feeding, I suppose.

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great points. My tomatoes always get lots of use. I would love okra, the rest of my family, not so much. Potatoes are a really good idea too! Thanks.

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   2. 60

      Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, you can even bread & fry green or half-ripe tomatoes, if you like.  I know okra grows like weeds around here (southeast US).  It can be breaded and fried, boiled, etc., and some people even put it in soups.

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   3. 96

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have got to try the okra for me. I love fried okra and if it grows easily (I'm in southern US too) it might be worth me growing even if I am the only one to eat it.

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   4. 76

      johnsonrallenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My wife and I have grown okra the last two years and it's very fast-growing and simple. There are some Asian dishes that it can be used in that are great as well.

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3. 73

   liesl5858posted 11 years ago

   Most vegetables are beneficial for good health and good to grow your own vegetables. It saves you lots of money and provide good health for you and your family. Nothing beats fresh home grown vegetables. I have grown potatoes, tomatoes, pak choi, Chinese cabbage, beans, peas and others. If you want to know more about them you are welcome to have a browse at my hubpage-http//www.liesl5858.hubpages.com. Feel free to email me.

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Tomatoes and potatoes mentioned again. I'll have to go check out your page. Thanks.

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4. 89

   krillcoposted 11 years ago

   Natives in America knew best: grow the 'three sisters', which are: beans, corn, and squash. These were often grown together, in that the corn would provide a tall stalk for the bean plants to grow up and have support, and the squash would shade the ground an help retain moisture for the other two 'sisters'. All three were grown intensively because of their high nutrition and the ability to dry the corn and beans for a long winter...the squash, properly handled, can last months without refrigeration and off the vine if the skin is not compromised. One dish to make: succotash...the corn and beans would be roasted/baked right inside the squash shell...then you can eat the whole thing, bowl and all!

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This is a great concept. I love the idea of having each plant help each other and it sounds like this way of growing is a space saver. Sadly no one in my house eats squash. Maybe there's another substitute.

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   2. 60

      Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Summer squash doesn't last that long, which is the kind I grow.  If you are talking about winter squash, then yeah, it can last a few months.

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5. 35

   ChristinSposted 11 years ago

   squash like zucchini can be used in a lot of different recipes from casseroles to bread and cake. You can even make mock apple pie with it that tastes like the real thing.  Tomatoes can be sun-dried and then rehydrated in the winter (if they last that long the sun-dried tomatoes are amazing!) or you can eat them as a snack, toss on salads etc.

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   1. 60

      Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Have you ever cheated and used the oven or dehydrator instead of the sun, to make sun-dried tomatoes?  That sounds like a good idea.  I've never had sun-dried tomatoes, but was wondering if the oven would work just as well.

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   2. 35

      ChristinSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      yes you can. I use a dehydrator also. I actually have a hub on 3 different ways to do it if you want to check it out.

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6. 61

   ashtonspenposted 11 years ago

   Tomato would be my choice. It's easy to grow. Generally, produces very well.
   Ripe tomatoes can be eaten and enjoyed, raw (straight from the vine). It's excellent in sandwiches, soups and sauces. More importantly, tomatoes have great nurtitional value. They are a good source of Licopene, the antioxidant cancer fighting compound. They are also rich in vitamins - A, B6, E, C, & K, as well as Potassium, and Manganese. So, let us all continue to eat tomatoes, and enjoy its nutritional benefits.

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7. 59

   starstreamposted 11 years ago

   If these vegetables are for your own use then be sure to grow what you and your family enjoy eating! There are many possible answers to your question but it is also very important to know your growing zone.  some fruits must be grown only in certain zones.  This is a great question to ask and to read the answers.

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