The Solanaceae, or nightshade family, includes a number of common species, many of which – such as tomatoes, aubergines and peppers – we eat.
Are eggplant and tomatoes in the same family?
Nightshade is a family of plants that includes tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers. Tobacco is also in the nightshade family. Nightshades are unique because they contain small amounts of alkaloids.
What is in the same family as tomatoes?
This group is also referred to as the “nightshade” family, after the poisonous weed. Solanaceous crops include tomato, pepper, eggplant, white and red potato, and tomatillo. This family also contains several plants that are toxic to humans, pets and livestock, such as the weeds Jimsonweed, nightshade and mandrake.
What family do aubergines belong to?
The aubergine (Solanum melongena) is a member of the giant genus Solanum (containing around 1,400 species) within the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Aubergine is one of the most economically important solanaceous crops, along with potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and tobacco. It is now a domesticated plant.
Is eggplant a type of tomato?
The plant is closely related to the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and the potato (S. tuberosum) as well as to several poisonous nightshades. Eggplant is usually grown as an annual and features an erect bushy stem that is sometimes armed with spines.
Are carrots a nightshade?
Carrots are not on the nightshades vegetable list either. If a recipe calls for the use of peppers, or other nightshade vegetables, try using raw carrots or onions instead.
Is sweet Potato a nightshade?
Are sweet potatoes nightshades? Sweet potatoes are among the foods that are commonly mistaken as nightshade vegetables, but they’re not nightshades.
Who should avoid nightshade vegetables?
Sensitivities and allergies
One of these groups includes people with arthritis, as some claim that eliminating nightshades provides pain relief. There’s an older theory that nightshades contain a form of vitamin D that causes calcium deposits that may contribute to joint pain and other arthritis symptoms.
What are nightshade vegetables to avoid?
List of Inflammatory Nightshade Vegetables & Fruits
- Tomatoes (all varieties, and tomato products like marinara, ketchup, etc.)
- Tomatillos.
- Potatoes (white and red potatoes.
- Eggplant.
- All peppers (bell peppers, jalapeno, chili peppers, and hot peppers)
- Red spices (curry powder, chili powder, cayenne powder, red pepper)
What are nightshade allergies?
A nightshade allergy is an immune response to the compound in nightshade plants called alkaloids. Types of nightshade plants include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, red pepper flakes, eggplant, and paprika. Symptoms of a nightshade allergy include congestion, skin rash, itching, redness, and digestive problems.
What family of vegetables are tomatoes?
nightshade family
tomato, (Solanum lycopersicum), flowering plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), cultivated extensively for its edible fruits.
Can you be allergic to aubergine?
Aubergine can induce symptoms of food allergy in sensitised individuals (2-5). But food allergy to ingesting the fruit of this plant is uncommon; reactions have been attributed to cross-reactivity with Tomato and grass pollen allergens in 1 individual (6), and with Parietaria pollen allergen in 5 cases (4).
Why are they called nightshades?
Nightshade plants contain different types of alkaloid compounds, food factors that cause physiological changes in the body. The origin of the name “nightshade” is not clear, but some suggest the name describes how these plants prefer to grow and flower in the night and shade.
What fruits are in the tomato family?
Fruits including tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, bell peppers and chili peppers, all of which are closely related members of the Solanaceae.
What is eggplant called in England?
Aubergine
Aubergine (UK) / Eggplant (US)
The word aubergine, used in the UK, comes from French.
Why are eggplants called aubergines?
What is this? Aubergine is a French word, used primarily in Europe to refer to an eggplant. The name, which is actually the original term (not eggplant), refers to its color. Aubergine meant “purple-brownish color” in French, which is quite suitable.
Are blueberries a nightshade?
Blueberries are not technically a nightshade plant. But, like nightshades, they contain some solanine. Blueberries have been called a “superfood” because they contain antioxidant compounds.
Are strawberries a nightshade?
Strawberries are not nightshades; in fact, they’re part of the rose family! A strawberry is not actually a berry. By technical definition, a berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single seed. The strawberry, however has its dry, yellow “seeds” on the outside (each of which is actually considered a separate fruit).
Are chickpeas a nightshade?
nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, goji berries, peppers, and eggplant. all legumes, such as lentils, beans, peanuts, and chickpeas.
Is cauliflower a nightshade?
Nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, contain solanine.
If a person wishes to eliminate nightshades from their diet, they can replace them with other nonnightshade vegetables, such as:
- sweet potatoes.
- yams.
- cauliflower.
- mushrooms.
Are zucchini a nightshade?
Zucchini is not a nightshade. Cucumbers are not nightshades. Coffee is not a nightshade. Squash is not a nightshade.