The word vegetable is based on culinary and cultural traditions, not science.
Edible plants used to make savory dishes are typically considered vegetables.
Herbacious plants that have edible leaves, stems, flowers, or roots all claim the vegetable moniker.
We exclude some plants that bear fruits, nuts, legumes, pulses and grains. Ironically, we then arbitrarily deem courgettes (squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, and the like) in the veggie group.
As Spring emerges, flowers are in bloom. There are some vegetables that technically are flowers too. We’re eager for them as the shift of seasons hails to locally-sourced California vegetables.
Asparagus– California produces more than seventy percent of the nation’s fresh market asparagus. Peak of season depends entirely on weather. This flowering perennial blooms and sprouts on cue depending on the elements.
