By Niveditha Kalyanaraman
October 29th, 2023
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India is known for its rich and diverse cuisine that has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries. Many of the dishes that we consider Indian today have their roots in other countries. Including vegetables that we consume everyday. Here are 7 Indian vegetables that aren't actually Indian.
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Potatoes are actually native to the Andes region of South America. Introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 17th century, potatoes have since become an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine.
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Tomatoes were originally cultivated in Central and South America. Introduced to India by the Portuguese, tomatoes have found their way into curries, chutneys, and other delightful Indian preparations.
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Okra, also called “lady’s finger” in India, has a rich history in Indian cooking. This nutritious and slimy vegetable is native to Africa and was introduced to India during the transatlantic slave trade.
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Cabbage, known for its crunchy texture and distinct taste, is another vegetable that found its way into Indian cuisine through foreign influence. Originating from Europe and Asia, cabbage arrived in India during the colonial period.
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Capsicum is not native to India and was introduced to the country by the Portuguese.
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Corn is another vegetable that is commonly used in Indian cooking. It was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
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Despite their popularity in Indian cuisine, carrots were originally cultivated in Central Asia and were introduced to India through the Silk Road trade.
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