Root vegetables have been popping up on more restaurant menus recently. Not sure what they are? Read on to learn about root vegetable features, benefits, and more.
What Are Root Vegetables?
Instead of growing above ground like cabbage and zucchini, root vegetables grow underground. They usually grow at the base of the plant (think onions). Some look like roots (such as turmeric), while others appear more round in shape.
Root Vegetable List (Root Vegetable Examples)
Below, you’ll find some root vegetable examples, from sweet root vegetable options to bitter root vegetable choices.
- Onions
- Fennel
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tubers
- Carrots
- Beets
- Water Chestnuts
Root Vegetable Features
As root vegetables lie near the base of the vegetable, they collect the water and nutrients from the soil first before passing them to the rest of the plant. Because of this, root vegetables have a high water and nutrient content.
Most root vegetables have leafy green stems which sit above the dirt. Root vegetables are typically pulled by their stems when they are ready to harvest. Usually, this type of vegetable is harvested in the autumn though they're available year-round at grocery stores.
Craft delicious roasted vegetables using a toaster oven, like this Countertop Toaster Oven. You'll save time as it heats up faster than a full-sized oven.
Root Vegetable Benefits
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Low in Calories and Rich in Antioxidants
Since the calories are low and the antioxidants are high in root vegetables, they're a great source of nutrition in diets. Each root vegetable has different vitamins and minerals, so it's best to alternate the root vegetable you include during your meals.
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Vegetables Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
As mentioned, these vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. Some root vegetables have higher amounts of nutrients, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, than others. However, most offer important minerals such as magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.
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High Starch Content to Make You Feel Full
These vegetables are starchy carbohydrates. Meaning your body will break down these vegetables into sugar and then use it for energy. With high-starch foods, you'll feel full much more quickly. However, consuming too much starch-rich food may also cause weight gain.
How Many Root Vegetables Per Day?
These root vegetables are packed with nutrients, so they're a great option for healthy diets. However, they are typically starchy carbohydrates. So, limiting your intake of root vegetables to one serving daily is best. Try to eat root vegetables as your carb during the meal and pair them with other vegetables and protein.
Cook root vegetables with ease using Comfee products. Comfee has everything from air fryers to rice cookers, blenders, and skillets. Using Comfee’s budget-friendly and attractive products, you’ll have healthy meals featuring root vegetables in no time.