FOOD

Purslane

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an annual edible succulent and, like many plants associated with traditional medicine, is often classified as a weed. It grows naturally in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere. It was recorded by Theophrastus and its healing properties were mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History. All parts of purslane…

Nettles

Nettles, including the common stinging nettles, belong to the genus Urtica. They are usually annuals and have a long history of use both in traditional medicine and as a foodstuff. The most familiar of the nettles is the stinging nettle which has hairs on its leaves which, on contact with the skin, act like hypodermic…

Greece faces severe drop in honey production, prices expected to rise

Greece faces severe drop in honey production, prices expected to rise

Honey production in Greece is expected to fall by up to 90% this year, according to public broadcaster ERT. Reports indicate a 40-50% decrease in production compared to last year, with regions like Crete experiencing reductions of 80-90%. Varieties such as flower and pine honey may become scarce. The shortage is attributed to climate change,…

How many plants feed the world?

FAO food supply data for 146 countries were analyzed to identify the plant commodities that account for the top 90% of each country’s per capita supply of food plants by weighs calories, protein, and fat >>> Prescott-Allen, R., Prescott-Allen, C. Conservation Biology 4(4), 365-374 (1990) Recent related articles in this category All articles in this…