Stalk Vegetables Stalks support the plant. These vegetables are good sources of fiber. Celery and rhubarb are examples of stalk vegetables (Figure 15.5). The best quality stalk vegetables have crisp, straight stalks. Slim stalks are more tender than wide ones. Leaf Vegetables Leaves capture the sun’s energy and make food for the plant (Figure 15.6). The freshest leaf vegetables are crisp, clean, and tightly bunched. They are not spotted, yellow, or wilted. Small leaves are tender. Larger ones are tough and woody. Leaves that are dark green, such as collard greens and spinach, are high in vitamins A and C and folate. They are also good sources of calcium and iron. The darker the green color, the more nutrients leaf vegetables are likely to have. For instance, collard greens supply more nutrients than iceberg lettuce. Cultures of the World Sunny Greece Greece is a beautiful country with a long history. There are many ancient structures in Greece. For example, the Parthenon was built nearly 2,500 years ago. Greece is located on the north side of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a long coastline and hundreds of islands. The sea is a major source of food. Greek dishes use many types of fi sh, shrimp, and squid. Sheep, pigs, and goats thrive in the mountains of Greece. These animals provide milk, yogurt, cheese, and meat. The rocky, rugged mountains of Greece make farming diffi cult. Grapevines, citrus trees, and olive trees grow well, though. Olives and olive oil have been part of Greek cooking since ancient times. It is said that Athena, a Greek goddess, brought olive trees to Greece. Herbs and spices are common in Greek cooking. They bring out the natural fl avors of food. Cinnamon, basil, dill, bay leaves, garlic, and oregano are added to many recipes. Tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini, garlic, and eggplant are found in many Greek dishes. The fertile valleys and warm climate of Greece are ideal for growing vegetables. Eggplant is one of the most popular vegetables in Greece. It is served mashed, stuff ed, and sliced. Cooks often add it to other foods. Moussaka (moo- sah-KAH) is a rich eggplant casserole. It is a well- known Greek dish. In Greece, people get together at mealtime to talk and have fun. Meals are informal and not rushed. They are festive times shared with friends and family. Life centers on the dinner table. A typical Greek dinner might include moussaka and whole-wheat rolls. Many Greek cookbooks are available. You could use one to plan a festive Greek meal for your family. zebratomato/Shutterstock.com Eggplant and other vegetables are used in many popular dishes in Greece. Have you ever tasted moussaka? This is the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The culture of Greece is rich in both its history and cuisine. Ivan Mateev/Shutterstock.com Adventures in Food and Nutrition Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 356