Vegetable and Fruit Starting with the Letter K.
Kabak (Zucchini)
Kabak is a vegetable commonly consumed as a fruit. It is an annual plant that needs to be replanted every year. Kabak is widely cultivated in Turkey. Its stem and leaves are covered in hard hairs. The stem either trails on the ground or climbs by clinging onto other plants. It produces large, yellow flowers. The main stem bears male flowers, while the side branches bear female flowers.
Kapari (Caper)
Kapari, also known as caper or Capparaceae, is a thorny plant that grows in the Mediterranean region. It is a self-sustaining plant found in nature. Kapari belongs to the Capparaceae family and is a low-growing herbaceous plant that can live up to 200 years. It thrives in clayey soil with abundant sunlight. Kapari is consumed both as small buds and in pickled form. Watermelon caper is a popular variety that is harvested between August and September. Kapari is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Kara Lahana (Black Cabbage)
Kara Lahana, also known as Turkish Collard Greens or Black Cabbage, is a cabbage variety with thick and dark green leaves. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is grown as a winter vegetable. It is a staple food in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey (Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Rize, Trabzon). Kara Lahana is consumed throughout the year and is enjoyed in various dishes such as soups and dolmas. It is highly nutritious, containing high levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Karabiber (Black Pepper)
Karabiber, also known as black pepper, is a spice derived from the dried fruits of the Piper nigrum plant. It belongs to the Piperaceae family. Although its origin is in India, it can be cultivated in all tropical climates. Black pepper comes in different varieties, such as white pepper and green pepper. The dried fruits are ground into a powder form to be used as a spice. Black pepper is known for its strong and spicy flavor, and it is a common ingredient in various cuisines worldwide.
Plants Starting with the Letter K.
Kırmızı Yapışkan Otu (Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
Kırmızı Yapışkan Otu, also known as Mother of Thousands or Devil’s Backbone, is a succulent plant native to Madagascar. It has thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are green with splashes of red, pink, or purple along the edges. One unique characteristic of this plant is its ability to produce new plantlets along the leaf edges, which eventually fall off and propagate on their own. It is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and easy propagation.
Kadiçiçeği (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Kadiçiçeği, also known as Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Madagascar. Kadiçiçeği is grown for its clusters of bright and colorful flowers, which come in various shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. It is a popular indoor plant and is often gifted during the holiday season due to its vibrant flowers and long-lasting blooms. Kadiçiçeği is also known for its ability to purify the air by removing harmful toxins.
Kaktüs (Cactus)
Kaktüs is a collective term for various succulent plants that belong to the Cactaceae family. They are native to arid regions of North and South America. Cacti are known for their unique and distinctive appearance, characterized by thick and fleshy stems, spines or thorns, and minimal leaves. They have evolved to survive in desert-like conditions with their ability to store water. Cacti come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they are popular as decorative plants both indoors and outdoors.
Kırlangıçotu (Lavandula angustifolia)
Kırlangıçotu, also known as Lavender, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but it is cultivated worldwide for its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender is known for its soothing and calming properties, and its essential oil is widely used in perfumes, soaps, and aromatherapy. The flowers are purple or lilac in color and are popularly used in dried flower arrangements, potpourri, and culinary preparations.
Kekik (Thyme)
Kekik, also known as Thyme, is a small perennial shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are used as a culinary herb. Thyme has a strong and distinctive flavor and is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in dishes like soups, stews, and roasted meats. Apart from its culinary uses, thyme also has medicinal properties and is often used as a natural remedy for respiratory conditions and digestive issues.
In conclusion, fruits and vegetables starting with the letter K include Kabak (Zucchini), Kapari (Caper), Kara Lahana (Black Cabbage), and Karabiber (Black Pepper). Plants starting with the letter K include Kırmızı Yapışkan Otu (Kalanchoe daigremontiana), Kadiçiçeği (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), Kaktüs (Cactus), Kırlangıçotu (Lavandula angustifolia), and Kekik (Thyme). These plants and crops offer a variety of flavors, nutrients, and aromas, making them a valuable addition to our kitchens and gardens.