When plump and ripe, the seed-pods of garden peas (Pisum sativum) are picked from the vine and shelled. Technically a legume (similar to lentils, chickpeas, and beans) and often compared to other starchy vegetables (such as potatoes, corn, and squash), garden peas are abundant in plant protein, full of fiber and polyphenol antioxidants which provides plenty of health advantages against heart disease and cancer.

Did you know that there are over 130 varieties of green beans? A native to central and south America, the green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) are the young, un-ripened fruits of the common bean which are harvested and consumed for their fleshy enclosing pods before the bean seeds inside have fully matured. The green bean is comprised of 90% water, 7% carbohydrates, and 2% protein. They're also a rich source of vitamins A, C and K, and to a lesser extent vitamin B6, manganese and other micronutrients.

The conventional carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is the orange colored domesticated form of the wild carrot (Daucus carota, also found in purple, black, white, red and yellow varieties) believed to originate from Persia. The taproots of carrots contain high quantities of alpha- and beta- carotene and are a good source of vitamins A, K and B6. Important antioxidant compounds found in carrots such as leutein are needed to maintain good eye health, and lycopene which may help to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) comes from the Italian word 'brocolo' meaning sprout. First discovered in 17th century Europe, this edible green plant related to cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts is popularly eaten for its tasty flowering head, stalk and leaves. Broccoli is a good source of fiber and vitamins C, and K. The plant compounds sulphorafane and indole-3-carbinol, found in broccoli are reported to have anti-cancer properties that work by reducing oxidative stress.

Believed to originate from 12th century Cyprus, the cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is popularly consumed for it's inflorescence meristem which is the edible white fleshy head also referred to as a 'curd'. Cauliflower is cited to be a great source of food energy, loaded with antioxidants and fiber for good digestive health.  As well as being rich in folate, and vitamins C and K, cauliflower is an important source of choline, an essential nutrient involved in brain development and required for a healthy nervous system.

The Cannelini bean goes by many names such as white bean, navy "Yankee" bean, haricot bean, pearl haricot bean, Boston bean, white pea bean, or pea bean, and is generally a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Cannelini beans derive from southern Italy and are characterised by their fluffy texture and mild nutty flavor. Apart from soy lecithin, Cannelini beans are reputed to be the most abundant plant-based source of glycerophospholipids (phosphatidylserine or ps) involved in healthy brain processes and also helping to lower total cholesterol.