Brinjal also known as “eggplant” is a very interesting vegetable. Eggplants or Aubergines as sometimes called, grow on a bush, which produces variously shaped fruit over a long period of time. The most common type is the glossy, smooth skinned, tear drop-shaped eggplant which has dark purplish satin-like skin. Inside, the spongy flesh is white to creamy-white with many small edible seeds. This vegetable is a good source of dietary fiber. It is rich in vitamin B6 and just 75g provides a whole day’s supply. Its purple skin contains some antioxidants that has some great health benefits.

Carrot, is one of the most widely eaten foods on the planet and everyone likes, especially Bugs Bunny - and vegetarians. It’s used in just about every savory dish you eat and quite a few sweet ones too. Carrot in soups, casseroles, stir-fries, risottos, pasta dishes, stews, roasts and even cakes! And it makes a wonderful juice too. It is grown from its taproots which form below the surface. Some varieties are more rounded and shaped like a top whilst others are harvested when very young and small. It is a really good source of dietary fibre. Carrots are rich in beta carotene. Our bodies can convert beta carotene to vitamin A. Vitamin A further helps with our vision.

Marigolds are plants that bear brightly colored blooms. They are popular in flower gardens. People also plant marigolds among vegetables. Their leaves have a strong scent that can drive away insect pests. There are about 30 different species, or types. They are annual plants, which means that they live for only one year. The most popular varieties include the French and African marigolds

As salvias originate from many regions around the world, different species are suited to different conditions. Most love full sun or semi-shade, and some tolerate cold temperatures and frost. They come in a range of appealing flower colours, including blue, mauve, cerise, pink, red, white and orange. Salvias are generally easy to cultivate, growing quickly and flowering readily, so there’s not much waiting around for the performance to begin. Their flowers are a good source of bird-attracting nectar. Plants grow 18 inches to 5 feet tall, depending on the variety.

Tomato has glossy, thin, smooth skin, with a juicy flesh containing numerous soft, edible seeds. It’s colour and shape vary considerably depending on its variety and where it’s coming from. The most common red tomato is plump and round, about the size of a tennis ball, with a flattened top. Some varieties are heart-shaped, some are the size and shape of a ping pong ball, some are small and tear drop-shaped, whilst others are egg-shaped. Also the colours range from red to yellow-skinned with pink to yellow flesh. Tomatoes are good source of vitamin C and they supply some vitamin E, folate and dietary fibre.