Consider New Vegetables
Next year’s vegetable garden can include new veggies along with old favorites. Every year, seed companies feature new varieties that can add spirit and spunk. Tomatoes are America’s most popular vegetable according to a recent survey. In addition to ever-popular “Beefsteak” and “Better Boy” varieties, a unique variety gaining in popularity is “Green Zebra.” These tangy tomatoes are striped with bands of light and dark green. They’re borne on vigorous vines and weigh three-to-four ounces each. This is an indeterminate, or climbing, tomato. Cages and stakes prevent tomatoes from taking over the garden and keep the fruit off the soil. Take care not to damage roots when you insert stakes. “Green Zebra” is ripe just as the green fruit starts getting a yellowish blush which accents the dark-green stripes. Pick as they ripen, using a slight twist or the wrist or sharp scissors to cut the stem. Enjoy these in salads – alone or mixed with red, yellow, orange, and pink varieties.
Among other interesting veggies is white eggplant. Try “Snowy,” “Osteri” or “White Egg.” White eggplant has a mild, non-bitter taste. It’s great grilled, as an accompaniment to spicy sauces.
Heirloom variety yellow cucumbers are making a comeback. They mature about 60 days after seeding, with up to a six-week harvest period. Coco-colored bell peppers not only are prized for their unusual color but also for their shiny, smooth skin and crisp flavor. The green color ripens gradually to a rich chocolate color. Pick when fully mature – about 3 inches by 6 inches. Either cooked or raw, they maintain their brown color.
Another interesting vegetable is purple kohlrabi and other miniature cabbages.