ISHS Acta Horticulturae 391: Horticulture in Human life, Culture and Environment
VEGETABLE SPECIES KNOWN TO THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS |
| Author: | W.A. Warid |
| Keywords: | Ancient Egypt, Agriculture, Vegetables, Medicinal properties, Eber papyrus |
| Abstract:
The ancient Egyptian civilization lasted 3000 years. Its trademark pyramids were erected at Giza in 2500 BC. The Pharaohs rulers include kings and queens who lived during 30 consecutive dynasties. Authentic records and hieroglyphic names were given to several kinds of vegetables. These were broad bean, pea, chate' cucumber, watermelon, kurrat' leek, garlic, onion, celery, lettuce, parsley, purslane, and radish. Their edible portions and seeds were found in the tombs and left as offerings. Onion was placed within some body portions of the mummies. Medical papyri contain many recipes for a number of these vegetables. The Egyptian life system was governed by a number of gods and goddesses at the same time. The lettuce plant was sacred to the god Min who was involved in the fertility rites. At present, garlic, due its medicinal properties, is on the top of the list of cancer-preventive foods. | |
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