Types of Vegetables

How are vegetables categorized, explain!

Vegetables can be categorized into a few categories based on their shape of the vegetables and also the part of that is eaten. After some researched that I had done, here are some of the categories I have managed to compile. Learn the complete list of vegetables here.

Bulb Vegetables

Bulb vegetables are aromatic vegetables, usually used to flavor soup, casserole, broth, and stock. As the name says, bulb so is definitely not the leafy part. To name a few – shallot, scallion, garlic, leek, onion, etc. Bulb vegetables are very important key ingredients that turn a bland dish into an exciting one. Some bulbs are even said to have anti-cancer properties and also boost immunity.

Stem Vegetables

This category of vegetables usually consists of above-ground stem vegetables. Asparagus is an obvious example of stem vegetables. Although there is plenty of other vegetables with a substantial amount of stem tissue, the term “stem vegetables” is only referred to above-ground stem vegetables – celery, chard, fennel, fiddlehead, cardoon, bamboo shoot, etc.

Flower Vegetables

The flower vegetables are where the flower part of the plant is used as food. Technically, this category of vegetables do also consists of leaf, stem, and roots but in general, only the flower parts are consumed. They are broccoli, broccoli flowers, artichoke, cauliflower, daylily, caper, squash blossoms, and courgette flowers.

Root Vegetables: Carrot, Radish, Turnip

Root vegetables are generally underground vegetables, they are the storage organ of the vegetables. Consist of carbohydrates, sugar, and starches. Root vegetables are nutrient-dense, owing to they grow underground hence absorbing a lot of nutrients from the soil. Examples of root vegetables, also called edible roots, are carrot, radish and turnip.

Leafy Vegetables

Either consumed raw or cooked, these vegetables are largely harvested for their leafy part. Also known as potherbs, greens, vegetable greens, leafy greens, or salad greens.  Excellent source of fiber and protein per calorie and low in fats. Dark green-colored vegetables, for example, spinach and bak choy are an excellent sources of calcium which is the best substitute for people who are lactose intolerant.

Tuber Vegetables

Tuber vegetables also grow underground, similar to the roots vegetables, which is also a plant’s storage organ. The tuber part is a fleshy and thickened underground stem to store starch, which functions as perennation – survival for winter or fry months. Some of the examples of tubers are yam, taro, sweet potato, potato, jicama, etc.

Fruit Vegetables

As the name says, it is basically a vegetable like fruit or, in another way, is a fruit of a seeding plant. Generally, these fruit vegetables contain seeds. Imagine a seeding plant that bears fruits after flowering, except that the fruits are vegetables – fruit vegetables. Tomato, squash, cucumber, eggplant, okra, olive, and bell pepper are some of the examples of fruit vegetables.

Questions

What are bulb vegetables?

Aromatic vegetables used to flavour soup, casserole, broth and stock, such as shallot, scallion, garlic, leek and onion.

What are stem vegetables?

Vegetables eaten for their above-ground stem, such as asparagus, celery, chard, fennel and bamboo shoot.

What is the difference between root and tuber vegetables?

Both grow underground and store food for the plant, but a tuber is a thickened underground stem that stores starch, such as potato, yam and taro.

Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?

It is a fruit vegetable: the fruit of a seeding plant, eaten as a vegetable, like squash, cucumber and eggplant.