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African Diaspora Heirloom Plants

Add these heirloom plants that have been cultivated in the African-American and diasporic communities to your garden!

African-American Heirloom Plants

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Fish Pepper

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The Fish Pepper plant has origins in the Caribbean islands and was used mostly by African-Americans in the Southeast United States. It survived in recipes by word of mouth. 

Red Velvet Okra

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With roots all the way back to Africa, the red velvet okra is "goopier and better deep fried," according to Smart Seeds Emporium.

Rice Pea

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These creamy peas are a variation of Lady Peas from the Gullah Geechee (NC, SC, GA, FL) area of the United States. info & photo via Truelove Seeds

Plate de Haiti Tomato

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This variety has been documented since the 1500s, and was brought to the Americas by Creole refugees who were fleeing an uprising by enslaved people. info & photo via Truelove Seeds

Green Glaze Collards

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These tomatoes have ties to enslaved people who fled Haiti and brought these tomatoes with them. info & photo via Truelove Seeds