Leeks, though grand in size, are generally considered quite ordinary here in the United States. Perhaps we don’t give leeks the credit they’re due, for in Wales, they are symbolic of bravery, heroism, and national pride. Read on to learn more about why we should all reconsider the leek.

Carrots are one of the most iconic vegetables in the American conscious. Their flashy colors lend themselves to graphics, logos, and animation, and they are a regularly featured prop in pop culture. Like any celebrity, carrots are the focus of gossip and intrigue among their fans. Despite their notoriety, carrots come from humble roots, (see what we did there). Read on to lay certain rumors to rest and unearth the truth.

Fennel is one of the coolest edible plants out there. Its history is as varied as it is ancient, and its uses are as diverse as they are global. This very well documented herb has been studied by scientists, shaman, and chefs alike for its medicinal, spiritual, and culinary uses around the world. Read on for a deep dive into this important and delicious herb.

A few days ago, this NFM foodie learned that Brussels sprouts are a controversial vegetable. Brand new to this debate, I, of course, took a stand. Brussel sprouts are one of my favorite things on this earth, and I believe that people who dislike them simply haven't tasted them properly cooked. If that argument doesn't land with dissenters, (and apparently it doesn't, more often than not), perhaps this divisive vegetable's fascinating background will compel non-believers to give them one more try.  

There is something kind of adorable about hardy kiwis. It may have to do with their size- roughly a quarter of their more popular cousin the kiwifruit- or the scrappiness of their name. They may be small, but they sure are hardy. Hardy kiwis are certainly a berry to root for. Though the plant thrives in Pacific North West conditions, very little is known about its varieties and few people have even heard of it. If you ask hardy kiwi enthusiasts and growers, it’s time they entered the main-stream. Read on to learn more about this tenacious little berry.

Does anyone else imagine a big round pumpkin as the O in October when autumn rolls around? There are few things as delightful as the giant, bright orange squash glinting in the autumn sun, or glowing from within through a carved grimacing face. October is one of the few times of year we are actually encouraged to play with our food here in the U.S., a tradition that began far from our shores. Read on to learn the story behind pumpkins!

Bread falls into two categories, with little middle ground. On one hand, it’s taken for granted, another item to check-off on the grocery shopping list. On the other, a fresh loaf can be praised as the greatest food on earth. Whether enjoyed as a bagel, baguette, or roti, bread in all its iterations is an essential staple around the world, with a story that’s older than you may think. Read on to learn why bread is ancient history.

Beloved for its naturally custardy texture and tropical flavor, (think, banana + mango + maybe pineapple?), pawpaws are one of the only native fruits sold at the farmers market. Pawpaws are harvested when they are fully ripe and quite soft, so it is unlikely you will find them at the grocery store. One of the only places to purchase this hyperlocal fruit is at your neighborhood farmers market. Read on to learn more about this unique fruit!

Tender and sweet, pears are the buttery textured autumn fruit of our dreams. Amazing in savory and sweet dishes, pears aren’t just versatile at the dinner table. We learned about how adaptable pears are on a global scale, and why they are so important to food economies around the world.  

Given its popularity at the farmers market, it is surprisingly challenging to find information about likok, also known as bitter eggplant, or bitter tomato. Only a small handful of farmers grow and sell it, and those that do sell out quickly during its short growing season. The uncommon fruit is coveted by Seattleites who have immigrated from places like Northern and North Eastern Africa, India, and the Himalayas. Read on to learn more about this mystery crop!

Tomatoes are a romantic summer fruit, (yes, they are a fruit!) Find them in a slow-cooked sauce over pasta, or a tangy, spicy salsa enjoyed with chips and a beer. They add a gentle sweetness to sandwiches, and are a summer balm sliced on toast with a little pepper, salt and basil. Tomatoes are certainly beloved, and where you source them is likely more important than you realized. 

When you think of watermelon, do you imagine a technicolor picnic with family and friends under a bright blue sky? This has been the hallmark vision since at least the 50s, but the iconic melon has gone through several rebrands during its estimated 5,000-year history.

Fuzzy, adorable and delicious, peaches are one of the most popular fruits farmed on the planet. A quintessential summer treat, there's more to this glowing pink orb than meets the eye, and a history that precedes the beginning of time.

The uses for eggplant are as versatile as they are global. It’s easy to find incredible, eggplant-forward recipes inspired by cuisines from across the globe. Take a trip with us for this week’s recipe round-up!

Sweet Corn is a quintessential summer veggie. Its deliciousness is evidenced by how willing we are to take time to shuck it and remove all the little hairs. (Can you think of a more popular and more labor-intensive vegetable staple?) We love corn on the grill or in a salad, but also wanted to get creative! Try something new from this week’s recipe round-up.

Apricots are true sunshine in your palm, and their soft and buttery texture can complement both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you prefer under or over ripe apricots, there’s something for you in this week’s recipe round up.

Summer squash, or Zucchini, is perhaps the most popular member of the gourd family worldwide. This versatile crop is delicious in everything from soups to stir-fries to salads. As much as we love summer squash today, the history of its cultivation has deep roots in the Americas.

What on earth are microgreens? With all the buzz around “super-foods” like big, bushy bunches of kale and spinach, why should we care about produce that’s micro? It turns out there’s more to microgreens than meets the eye. Read on to learn more about why microgreens matter!

Okra is a southern staple that has, against all odds, taken root on farms here in Washington. While we’re sure glad okra has made its way into the American palette, its journey to the U.S. speaks to this country’s history of violence and subjugation. Read on to learn the history of this locally and globally beloved ingredient.

Simultaneously crisp and soft, sweet and tart, blueberries truly have it all. Here in Washington, blueberries are usually found at local farmers markets June-September. The first successfully cultivated blueberries weren’t developed until 1916, just over 100 years ago. Read on to learn more about this relatively recent addition to agriculture!