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"I am the vine and ye are the branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me, ye can do nothing." ~ St. John 15:5

Mandrakes, Foods in the Bible

Much debate has centered around this frequently referenced Biblical food in regards to, "Just what are they???" Aphrodisiac? Components for magical potions? Fertility aids? Most Biblical scholars tend to resign to the theory that the mandrake mentioned in the Bible is akin to a potato-apple, pale orange in color, sometimes renown as Satan's Apple by many living in the regions of Palestine and other areas surrounding Jerusalem - where the mandrake can still be found flourishing. There are many varieties of mandrakes - reaching 2 feet in length or more. The forked root of the mandrake resembles a human body hung in suspension - which adds to the aura surrounding this rather mysterious plant, actually a Mediterranean herb of the nightshade family, supporting white or purple flowers.

The Hebrew translation is 'love plant', which Leah can perhaps attest to!  One reference in the Bible speaks of how Rachel bargained for her sister Leah's mandrakes which had been harvested by her son, Ruben, in the wheat fields. For her bargaining power, Leah ended up producing another son. You can read the story in its entirety from the book of Genesis, Chapter 30.

Click on the Biblical Food below for fun nutrition information!

Wheat | Barley | Unlevened Bread | Corn | Grapes | Figs | Pomegranates | Olives | Dates | Honey | Olive Oil | Raisins | Wine | Flour | Beans | Lentils | Lamb | Beef | Spices | Locust | Fish | Pulse | Water | Garlic | Onions | Cucumbers | Leeks | Almonds | Mandrakes |