59: Okra

Okra, also known as lady’s fingers, look like a long and slender green pod with a slightly ridged exterior. Inside, okra has a gelatinous texture and small, round seeds. Okra has the ability to thicken stews and soups due to its natural mucilage content. When cooked, it develops a satisfying slight crunch while maintaining its delicate flavor. Okra can be pickled, stir-fried, or used in gumbo, bringing a touch of earthiness and a subtle hint of sweetness to any dish. It is loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

Okra

58: Lemons

Lemons are vibrant and versatile citrus fruits. They bring a zesty burst of freshness to dishes, beverages, and desserts. From classic lemonade to tangy lemon meringue pie, lemons enhance the flavor with their refreshing acidity. And we know acid is one of the important elements to making a dish taste good.

Lemons are also packed with vitamin C. They boost the immune system and help detox the body. Lemons also feature prominently in natural cleaning solutions and homemade beauty remedies.

Lemons

57: Leeks

Leeks have slender, elongated green stalks with delicate white bulbs. They are a versatile and delightful addition to a dish. Known for their mild onion-like flavor, leeks bring a unique depth and complexity to dishes when cooked. They can be sautéed in butter, caramelized to golden perfection, or incorporated into soups and stews. In addition to adding unique flavor, leeks are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Leeks

56: Kale

Kale has skyrocketed in popularity over the last several years to become a regular culinary staple. It has a reputation as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, and antioxidants.

Kale has a robust and slightly bitter taste which adds a delightful dimension to salads, smoothies, and stir-fries. There are curly and frilly varieties as well as tender and milder baby kale. Kale can be enjoyed raw like in a salad or cooked in many preparations, including my favorite - kale chips! This is my favorite pack of kale chips from the local grocery store. I prefer these over regular chips as they’re healthier and lighter feeling.

Kale

55: Grapefruit

Grapefruit, with its vibrant and tangy profile, is a citrus fruit that never fails to awaken the taste buds. It has an invigorating aroma and pink or yellow flesh that blends both sweet and sour flavors.

Grapefruit is a colorful and delicious fruit with a tart taste that can enhance any dish. Enjoy it by itself, in juice, or in salads and desserts. Grapefruit is not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Grapefruit