Approximately 50 million people rely on rainforests for survival.
The vine-draped canopy of a rainforest provides habitats for a vast range of exotic and endangered animals and plants. Rainforests also provide important habitats for humans. Approximately 50 million indigenous people "rely almost exclusively on rainforests for their survival needs," according to Rainforest Information Centre. Several endemic vegetable species are important staples of the diets, cultures and economies of rainforest communities. Vegetables of the rainforest are adapted to the balmy tropical climate--these plants do not tolerate cold weather and typically have a long growing season. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Chayote
Chayote is a squash with only one seed.
Chayote (Sechium edule) is a squash that grows in the rainforests of Asia and the Americas. The vegetable was cultivated by the Aztecs and Mayans in Central America and is believed indigenous to this region. Chayote grows well in the higher altitudes of mountainous rainforest regions and vast farms are often trellised along mountain slopes. Today, the squash is grown by indigenous communities for food and for export. Chayote is eaten widely throughout Asia and the Americas and referred to by different names in each region---"xuxu" in Asia, "christophine" in the Caribbean and "mirliton" in the United States.
Hot Peppers
Chili peppers have been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes.
Hot peppers or chilies (Capsicum spp.) are believed to be indigenous of the lowland rainforests of Central and South America. Peppers were domesticated by Native American shamans for their pungent spice, which was used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Approximately 25 wild hot pepper species originated in the rainforests of the Americas and migrated across the globe to Asia and Africa. Chilies are the hallmark of many ethnic cuisines and "are firmly believed to have a supernatural element" among indigenous cultures, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Cassava
Cassava is grown for its starchy roots.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also known as "manioc" or "yuca," is a root crop grown in Africa and in the Americas. According to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), "as many as 300 million people in the tropics consume cassava daily." The vegetable is thought to have originated in Brazil and Paraguay and requires eight continuous months of warm weather. According to Perdue University, cassava is classified as a "cultigen," meaning "no wild forms of this species are known." Cassava contains a form of cyanide that renders the vegetable toxic if not prepared properly. Cassava is prepared similar to potatoes or is ground into flour. Cooking cassava flour yields tapioca. Cassava leaves are sometimes steamed and eaten like spinach.
Tags: Approximately million, Asia Americas, believed indigenous, medicinal spiritual, medicinal spiritual purposes, million people