Légumes du potager

Les légumes sont les plantes ou les parties de plantes qui sont utilisées pour la consommation humaine. Celles-ci peuvent être cultivées pour leurs feuilles, tiges, racines, fleurs, bourgeons, graines immatures, gousses ou fruits (la structure qui porte les graines d’une plante). Nous avons recensé les légumes à feuilles et les cucurbitacées séparément par rapport aux légumes du potager en raison de leurs qualités nutritionnelles distinctes. Les légumes sont une importante source de vitamines et de minéraux dans l’alimentation.

  1. GOMBO OUEST-AFRICAIN Abelmoschus caillei

    gombo ouest-africain, gombo

    Le gombo ouest-africain a probablement été introduit en Afrique de l’Ouest par des navigateurs polynésiens ou sud-est asiatiques. On le trouve aujourd’hui dans presque tous les marchés agricoles en Afrique; c’est un aliment de choix en Afrique de l’Ouest et centrale. Cette variété de gombo est...

  2. Okra Abelmoschus esculentus

    gombo

    Okra probably originated in North East Africa growing along rivers and bodies of water at 0 - 1000m elevation. It remains widely grown around the world for its nutritious pods, leaves, and fiber. It prefers hot temperatures with plenty of water. Regular picking of the pods triggers continuous...

  3. Amarante Amaranthus tricolor, A. viridis

    amarante, amarante-feuille

    Les amarantes-feuille sont abondamment cultivées dans les régions chaudes et humides de l’Afrique, de l’Asie et des Caraïbes. Bien que cette espèce d’amarante ne produise pas de graines à profusion, elle se régénère souvent spontanément et a légèrement tendance à devenir une mauvaise herbe.

  4. Cowpea Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata

    niébé, pois yeux noirs dolique mongette

    Vigna unquiculata is a grain legume that originates in Africa. Attributes such as vine shape (climbing, prostrate, or semi-erect), seed color (shades of white, pink, brown, and black) and seed maturation time (60 to 240 days) vary with variety. Pods appear in V-shaped pairs.

  5. Common Bean Phaseolus vulgaris

    The common bean is one of the main food crops globally. Bush varieties reach 20-60cm while climbing (or “pole”) varieties reach up to 3m in height. Depending on the variety, common beans are grown for their green pods and/or mature, dry seeds.

  6. COURGE CIREUSE Benincasa hispida

    courge cireuse

    La courge cireuse est cultivée comme plante alimentaire dans les régions tropicales à basse altitude de la Chine depuis au moins l’an 500 de notre ère. Ce légume, dont la vigne peut atteindre de 2 à 4mètres (de 6 à 13 pieds) de longueur, est facilement cultivé comme annuel en région tempérée mais...

  7. Onion Allium cepa L

    Onion is a hardy biennial from southern parts of Russia and Iran. It was disseminated by the Indo-European peoples during their numerous migrations. Very ancient forms of Onion are still for sale in Middle Eastern markets.

  8. Ciboulette ail ou ail chinois Allium tuberosum

    ciboulette ail ou ail chinois, ciboulette ail ou ail chinois

    Ce membre de la famille de l’oignon originaire de l’Asie du Sud-est a été propagé avec succès en Europe et en Amérique du Nord.

  9. Collards Brassica oleracea var. viridis

    Collards are a cruciferous crop (cabbage family) grown for the leaves. The wide, smooth, blue-green leaves of collards have a spinach-like flavor and are the highest in nutrients of the dark green, leafy vegetables.

  10. Cucumber Cucumis sativus

    Cucumbers probably originated in India and became popular in Greece and Italy. They are now grown worldwide both commercially and in home gardens. The fruit of this vegetable plant is thick, cylindrical, 6-40 cm long, and shiny green. It can be eaten raw in salads, pickled or cooked in stews or...

  11. Beets Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

    Garden Beets, also called beetroot, are a hardy, cool-season root crop with edible leaves and a fleshy, tap root. The most common beets are deep red throughout but there are varieties that are yellow, white or mixed. The roots are a source of calories and the leaves are a good source of fiber...

  12. Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica

    brocoli asperge

    Broccoli is a cruciferous crop (cabbage family) grown for the head that is made of a cluster of many, dark green buds formed at the end of an edible stalk. It is a temperate crop that can be grown in the tropics at higher elevations. Broccoli has become a common, favorite vegetable around the...

  13. Kale Brassica oleracea var. viridis

    Kale is a cruciferous crop (cabbage family) grown for the leaves. Kale will withstand more heat than other Brassicas and is also tolerant of light frost, which can actually improve flavor. There are many varieties of leaf shape, color and height from a low mat of curled shoots to 2 m high. The...

  14. Chinese Kale Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

    Chinese Kale, also called Kailaan or Chinese Broccoli, has glossy, blue-green leaves with crisp and thick stems. This vegetable adapts well to cold and hot climates and is grown all year round in mild climates. After the first cutting of the main stem, the plant will grow many branches for...

  15. Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata

    chou cabus

    Cabbage is a hardy, leafy cruciferous vegetable that forms a compact, round head. It is native to southern Europe but can be grown in tropical or semi-tropical areas in cooler highlands where the winters are mild and there is a good supply of moisture. Some varieties in stock at ECHO are fairly...

  16. Tree Tomato Cyphomandra betacea

    Tree tomatoes are small, half-woody, fast growing, solanaceous trees reaching 3 to 5.5 m in height that are native to South American highlands. Tree tomatoes are edible and can be consumed either as a fruit or vegetable. In the tropics, tree tomatoes do best at elevations between 1500 and 2800...

  17. L’AUBERGINE Solanum melongena

    l’aubergine, aubergine

    L'origine ancienne était probablement la région indo-birmane ou peut-être la Chine. La plante s'est maintenant étendue aux régions tropicales, subtropicales, tempérées chaudes et aux serres dans des climats plus froids.

  18. Pak Choi, Bok Choy Brassica rapa var. chinensis

    Pak Choi is a cruciferous crop (cabbage family) grown for the rosette of flattened white stems topped by green leaves. This nutritious and fast growing green leafy vegetable is popular in Asian stir-fries and in other dishes calling for cooked or fresh greens.

  19. Hot Bush Pepper Capsicum frutescens

    Capsicum frutescens peppers are much more pungent than the C. annuum species and produce fruits that are erect and usually appear just above the foliage. Peppers include tabasco, bird peppers, and other chili peppers. Varieties of this species have also been selected for their ornamental...

  20. Habanero Pepper Capsicum chinense

    Capsicum chinense or bonnet peppers are typically very hot including the hottest peppers in the world according to the Scoville scale. These include the habanero, ghost peppers, and bonnet peppers. ECHO also has a unique “Sweet” Habanero that produces peppers that are not hot, although...

  21. Sweet Pepper Capsicum annuum

    There are several different species of Capsicum. The common capsicum, Capsicum annuum is divided into groups depending on the shape of the fruit; cherry peppers, cone peppers, red cone peppers, sweet bell peppers, and chili and cayenne peppers. Common capsicum pepper varieties can be pungent...

  22. Jalapeño Pepper Capsicum annuum var. annuum 'Jalapeño'

    Peppers are recorded as cultivated in Bolivia and Meso-America ca. 16th century. Christopher Columbus recorded the use of “a vegetable called agi …employed to give a sharp taste to the fish and such birds as they can catch…” (ca.1494). Jalapeño is a medium-hot pepper originating in the region of...

  23. Watermelon Citrullus lanatus

    Watermelon is a spreading vine producing large, fleshy fruit. Although all parts of the fruit are edible it is mainly grown for the juicy flesh which is typically red but can be yellow or pink. There are both seeded and seedless varieties.

  24. Lagos Spinach/Quailgrass Celosia argentea

    célosie, crete de coq

    Lagos Spinach is a member of the Amaranth family and shares many features with members of the genus Amaranthus such as broad edible leaves with high protein content and flowers and seeds produced in dense spikes. Some members of the genus Celosia are well-known ornamentals called "Cockscombs.”...

  25. Egusi Melon Citrullus lanatus

    Pastèque

    Egusi melon is a fast-spreading creeping vine. The taxonomy is not clear but the ECHO seed comes from what is probably a variety or sub-species of watermelon. The white, bitter fruits are inedible; instead it is grown for the seeds which contain 50% oil and 30% protein and can be ground into a...

  26. Tropical Pumpkin Cucurbita moschata

    The Tropical Pumpkin originated in tropical South or Central America, possibly Peru or Mexico, and is now widely distributed throughout the tropics. Tropicalpumpkins are very well adapted to hot, humid conditions and the ripe fruits can be stored for months or even a year under dry well...

  27. Caigua Cyclanthera pedata

    Caigua isan Andean fruit that grows on a climbing vine similar to cucumbers. The mature fruit is hollow and is often stuffed for cooking. The immature fruits and young shoots are eaten raw and cooked.

  28. Summer Squash Cucurbita pepo

    Summer Squashes are distinctive from all other squashes because they are eaten when they are immature. They grow on either vines or bushes with large leaves that are hairy underneath. They have smooth, edible skin, flesh that varies from light to dark green or yellow, and seeds that are soft and...

  29. Cantaloupe Cucumis melo

    The Cantaloupe is a creeping annual gourd producing round or oval fruits, 10-15cm (4-6”) diameter with a rough, scaly, netted outside skin. Cantaloupe is delicious as a dessert or in a fruit salad.

  30. Tahitian Butternut Cucurbita moschata

    This winter squash has been cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas since Pre-Colombian times. Evidence of its use has been found in archeological diggings. It is a very old variety not often available through seed companies.

  31. CHOU FRISE DE L'ÉTHIOPIE Brassica carinata

    chou frise de l'éthiopie, Moutarde d'Éthiopie

    Cette variété de chou frisé est originaire de la plaine d'Afrique de l'Est, en particulier de l’Ethiopie, dès 4000 avant J-C, et il y est encore cultivé principalement comme une culture à graines oléagineuses. Il est précieux car il donne des graines à des températures tropicales plus chaudes que...

  32. Mustard, Mustard Greens Brassica juncea

    Mustard greens are a cruciferous crop (cabbage family) grown for the leafy greens that have a slightly bitter, peppery or mustardy taste. Mustard’s dark green color makes it a very nutritious leafy vegetable that can be grown year round in many parts of the world.

  33. Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

    Cauliflower is a cruciferous crop (cabbage family) grown for its compact white immature flower head. Cauliflower is generally suited to temperate climates or higher altitudes in the tropics, preferring cool, moist soil and air. The heads are cut and eaten while the buds are still closed. In order...

  34. Snake Gourd Trichosanthes cucumerina (syn. T. anguina)

    A vining annual vegetable crop. The plant produces a wavy cucumber-like fruit that is harvested immature and cooked like a squash. This crop is well suited to growth in the humid lowland tropics. The delicate vines need a trellis. The mature fruit turns orange or red when ripe and can be used in...

  35. POIS CAJAN Cajanus cajan

    pois cajan, pois d'angole, pois congo, pois pigeon

    The Pigeon pea probably originated in tropical Africa but is now popular in SE Asia, the Caribbean, east and west Africa and the tropics of the U.S. It is a shrubby, drought-tolerant, fast-growing legume with a long tap root and a mass of fibrous roots. It can grow up to 4 m. (13’ ) in height but...

  36. Sunflower Helianthus annuus

    Sunflowers are tall showy, usually yellow flowers grown for their seeds. The flower head is composed of the showy perimeter ray flowers and the inner disc florets which produce the seeds. As well as being an ornamental plant that attracts pollinators, sunflower seeds are pressed for oil or used...

  37. Lablab Lablab purpureus

    lablab, pois boucoussou, pois antaque, pois indien

    On considère généralement que le lablab est originaire de l’Asie du Sud-est. Cependant, certains spécialistes sont de l’avis qu’il provient de l’Afrique, où il est connu depuis le huitième siècle. Le lablab est aujourd’hui cultivé dans l’ensemble des régions tropicales et sous-tropicales.

  38. Tropical/Indian Lettuce Lactuca indica

    Tropical lettuce is a fast-growing, self-seeding, upright, semi-perennial that will reach 2m in height and is very productive. Young leaves can be eaten raw, but can be bitter. Older leaves are usually steamed or boiled and served with vinegar. Tropical lettuce tolerates a variety of climates,...

  39. Italian Edible Gourd/Cucuzzi Lagenaria siceraria

    This ItalianEdible Gourd, long cultivated in Italy, is believed to have its origin in India. The parent species, the Bottle Gourd, Lagenaria siceraria, is believed to have its origin in Africa.

  40. Angled Luffa Luffa acutangula

    Luffas are vining annual plants that produce fruits for food and the luffa sponge. The young fruits of Angled Luffa are edible raw or cooked. Although two species produce a fibrous skeleton in the mature fruit, Smooth Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) is the preferred species for the luffa sponge. This...

  41. Bitter Gourd Momordica charantia

    Momordica comprises about 40 species, the majority of which are African. The fruits of several wild species are consumed as a vegetable, whereas several others are used in traditional medicine. Bitter Gourd is one of the most popular vegetables in Southeast Asia and China. It was first found...

  42. Tomatillo Physalis ixocarpa

    Tomatillo is a close relative of the tomato and is grown and used like tomatoes. The flowers are yellow and the ~2.5cm diameter fruit develops in a green-purple bladder like calyx resembling a Chinese lantern. The ripe fruit can be green, yellow or purple depending on the variety and can be eaten...

  43. Edible Podded Peas Pisum sativum var. saccharatum

    Peas are among the oldest cultivated plants. Carbonized seed remains have been identified as being 7,000 to 9,000 years old. The edible pod forms are thought to be of recent development. Edible podded pea plants produce large (up to 4 inches long) tasty pods with immature seeds that may be eaten...

  44. Rhubarb Rheum rhabarbarum

    Rhubarb is a perennial leafy vegetable grown for its tart leaf stalks. Rhubarb is used as a cooked vegetable and in pies and sauces. It is usually thought of as a temperate-climate plant but rhubarb can be grown as an annual in subtropical and tropical climates that have a cool season.

  45. Maïs Zea mays

    maïs

    Le maïs est cultivé depuis de nombreux siècles dans plusieurs régions d’Amérique centrale, du Nord et du Sud. L’utilisation du maïs s’est étendue à de nombreuses régions tempérées, subtropicales et tropicales de la planète. À l’échelle mondiale, la production de maïs dépasse aujourd’hui celles du...

  46. Tomato Solanum lycopersicum (syn. Lycopersicon esculentum)

    The tomato is one of the most common garden vegetables worldwide. It is a solanaceous plant that produces fruit of various shapes, sizes and colors. Growth of tomato plants is described as either determinate or indeterminate. Determinate varieties produce compact plants that stop growing when...

  47. Inca Nut Plukenetia volubilis

    Inca nut is a semi-woody, vining, perennial plant in the Euphorbiaceae family native to the high altitude rain forests of the Andes in South America. It is grown for the large seed and seed oil, used in cooking. Raw seeds are inedible, but roasting after shelling makes them palatable. The viscous...

  48. Kohlrabi Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

    Kohlrabi is a short (45cm), biennial cruciferous crop (cabbage family) that is cultivated as an annual vegetable. The stems of each plant swell at the base to form a 5 - 10 cm in diameter edible, starchy globe. The broad edible leavesspiral in whorls around the globe-like swollen stem and are...

  49. Leek Allium ampeloprasum

    poireau

    Leeks are a close biennial relative of both onion and garlic, but do not form bulbs. Leaves are flat and large, when cooked they are milder in taste than onions, and are mainly used in soups and similar dishes.

  50. Bunching Onion Allium fistulosum

    Bunching onions are perennial (often grown as an annual), and are similar in taste and smell to their relative the common onion, Allium cepa. Though some cultivars have a slightly-thickened base (pseudostem), bunching onions rarely form bulbs. Thus, they are eaten as a green onion.

  51. New Zealand Spinach Tetragonia tetragonoides

    New Zealand Spinach is a vining herbaceous plant grown for the young, succulent leaves and stem tips are an excellent hot weather leafy green. Its growth habit is low and sprawling, reaching 30-40 cm in height and 100-125 cm in circumference.

  52. Cushaw Pumpkin Cucurbita argyrosperma

    Cushaw pumpkins are a herbaceous, vining, winter squash grown for the edible flesh and seeds. Flowers and tender shoots are also edible. The seeds are high in oil and protein and can be eaten roasted or ground up for an ingredient in sauces. The flesh is eaten as a vegetable and can be used in...