While not all of these plants are typically found in home garden landscapes, they are all still used by people today. Some can be grown in edible gardens, herb kitchen spaces or greenhouses where warmer weather is required.
Almond
A high-protein nut, the almond is also an alternative source of milk replacement for those who are lactose intolerant. Almonds are not only grown in Mediterranean countries, but almond trees are also grown in North America and other warm-climate areas.
Barley
Barley is a grain that is often used in modern days as a wheat or oat replacement. Barley grows quickly and needs less water than wheat, so is a better grain selection for drier climates. The grain was used for food for humans, and the stalks were used for animal bedding, thatching, mats, woven baskets, etc.
Coriander
Coriander is a spice made from the seeds of cilantro. Cilantro is a popular green for adding spice and zest to salsas, stews and salads. Coriander was considered a precious spice at the time and the taste is similar to pepper but not as strong.
Fig
A fig tree is where Jesus found Nathanial praying, and figs are an important food source to this day in many parts of the world. Ornamental fig vines are attractive, vertical accents for any garden and cultivars are available with variegated leaves to increase eye appeal.
Grapevine
Grapes provided wine, juice, fruits and long-lasting food source in the form of raisins and are a popular vine for growing in many gardens to this day. Grape vines shade large arbors, arches and sitting areas, as well as providing food for the family in edible gardens.
Flax
Flax was an important plant, historically, because of the usefulness of the plant. Flowers, seeds and fibers have been harvested for a variety of purposes. Not only were the fibers used for weaving cloth and fabrics, but the plant was also used as die, to make paper, for medicinal purposes and the seeds are a nutritious food and source of oil still being used today.
Lentil
Lentils are a cool season legume related to beans and was an important food staple for many years. Lentil pods do not produce as many seeds per pod as some of the more common beans and peas in the garden, however the nutritional value is high. Lentils make a great fresh addition to salads or soups so it's worth adding some of these Biblical plants to your vegetable garden.
Myrtle
Myrtle is a fragrant and somewhat bitter tasting plant that was used in the Mediterranean as a culinary spice. The most frequent use was as a precious oil for embalming, preservation, incense, and perfumes. In Scripture, myrtle is mention several times in the Old Testament. Modern use is often for a spice, and the precious essential oils that are extracted from the leaves.
Olive
In the Bible, olives were often a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The fruits were used for eating, and to press for oil. Olive oil was used in Scripture as a base oil for anointing, in cooking, health, nutrition, beauty and many other purposes. Today the plants are grown in warm, dry climates for the ornamental leaves and fruit.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are small trees, almost shrub like in appearance, and mature around 10 feet tall. In Scriptures the fruit were discussed in reference to love and intimacy. It was also mentioned in the Bible as a plant that God's people were blessed to be given. The pomegranate tree also provided both a red and yellow die for clothes and decorations, in addition to a bitter sweet fruit.
Angela England - Angela England is a problogger, mother of four (yes I know what causes that), speaker, teacher, labor doula, gardener and so much more.
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