Vegetables come in many shapes, sizes, colors and flavors and are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet, as they provide us with essential vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Some of the most commonly consumed vegetables include 8 letters vegetable, so let’s talk about them!
- Beetroot
Beetroot is a root vegetable that is used in many cuisines around the world. It is known for its deep red color and earthy, slightly sweet taste.
Beetroot is a highly nutritious food that is low in calories and high in a variety of nutrients including vitamins C and B6, as well as iron and magnesium.
You can eat beetroot in many different ways – raw, cooked or pickled.
You can chop it and add it to salads or sandwiches, or you can boil or bake it and serve it as a side dish.
You can also add beetroot to your favorite smoothie for extra nutrition. Additionally, the color of the smoothie will blow your mind!
Beetroot juice is also a great option. You can use beetroot on its own, or pair it with other fruits or vegetables like apples and carrots.
You can buy beetroot all year round in shops and supermarkets.
You should choose the one that is firm, heavy for its size and without any bruises or cracks. You can store it in a dark and cool place for up to two weeks.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is a green, leafy vegetable that has a unique flavor and texture, with a crunchy stem and tender florets that are slightly bitter and nutty.
Broccoli is a highly nutritious food that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it a popular choice for those who want to maintain a healthy diet.
You can prepare it in many different ways. You can cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces and steam for a few minutes until tender. You may add some spices or a drizzle of olive oil for a tasty side dish.
You can also roast it in the oven – just toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast them until they’re soft and a little crispy!
Broccoli can be a great addition to soups and stir-fries, or you can add its raw florets to salads for extra crunch.
Whichever way you choose to use it, remember to wash your broccoli well before cooking and try to avoid overcooking it to preserve its nutrients and flavor.
- Celeriac
Celeriac, also known as a celery root, is a root vegetable that has a thick, tuber-like shape with a rough, bumpy skin that can range in color from cream to light brown.
Its flesh is white and has a mild taste similar to celery, but with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
To prepare celeriac, you should first peel off the tough skin with a knife or vegetable peeler, and then you can chop it however you like.
You can use celeriac in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and purees.
You can make celeriac puree by peeling it and cooking it until soft, then mash it with a fork or potato masher.
Add butter, salt and pepper to taste and enjoy your creamy puree.
Roasted celeriac is just as delicious. Simply cut it into cubes or slices and toss with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and bake in the oven until soft and slightly crispy on the outside.
Celeriac soup with a little onion and garlic is easy to make and its creamy texture will be hard to resist.
You can also thinly slice celeriac and add it to salads and enjoy their unique crunchy aroma.
Celeriac is a good source of fiber and vitamins. It is also rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Cucumber
Cucumbers are a popular vegetable known for their refreshing and crunchy taste.
They are a good source of hydration and are low in calories, making them a popular choice for people who want to eat healthy.
Most people eat cucumbers raw or pickled.
You can eat fresh cucumbers as a healthy and refreshing snack. Simply wash them, cut them into rings and enjoy them on their own, or you can use them to make sauces like hummus or tzatziki.
Cucumbers are a great addition to salads, and you can also mix them into smoothies with other fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, spinach and ginger for a refreshing and hydrating drink.
We all know that cucumber slices are a must in sandwiches for extra crunch and fresh flavor, whether you’re making a regular cucumber and cream cheese sandwich or a vegetarian version with hummus and avocado.
When buying cucumbers, you should look for ones that are firm and have a bright, uniform color and be sure to refrigerate them until use.
- Eggplant
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a popular vegetable that is widely used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
Eggplant has a distinct, slightly bitter taste and a firm, spongy texture, and you can prepare it in a variety of ways.
You should wash the eggplant well before cooking and remove the stem and all the tough parts. You can also salt it and leave it for 30 minutes to reduce the bitterness and then use it.
Eggplant is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that you can sauté, bake, grill, or use in dishes like stir-fries, stews, curries, and pizzas.
Grilled eggplant can be made simply by cutting it into slices or rings, brushing with olive oil and grilling until soft and slightly charred. You can also add some salt, pepper and herbs for extra flavor.
You can add sliced eggplant to your favorite stir-fry recipe with other vegetables, meats and sauces.
Eggplant is also a trademark of dishes such as Eggplant Parmesan, Baba Ghanoush and Ratatouille!
You can store eggplant in the refrigerator for up to a week and cut or peel it just before using.
- Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a round, bulbous vegetable native to Europe. It has a unique nutty flavor and a crunchy texture similar to that of a radish or turnip.
You can eat kohlrabi raw, just like you would an apple or pear. Just wash it, peel it and cut it into thin pieces.
You can sprinkle some salt and lemon juice on the slices for extra flavor!
You can also bake kohlrabi in the oven or on the grill. All you have to do is cut it into cubes or slices, drizzle it with olive oil, season it and bake it until it is soft and golden brown.
Kohlrabi is a great addition to soups. Simply chop it into small pieces and add it to your favorite soup recipe.
You can enjoy a delicious salad by pairing kohlrabi with other raw vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers.
Kohlrabi is a nutritious and versatile vegetable, but don’t forget to wash it well and remove the tough outer layer before eating.
- Zucchini
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that is native to America and is widely used in cooking.
Zucchini is low in calories and a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect against various diseases.
You can also easily prepare it in many different ways, including grilling, roasting, and sautéing.
You can simply slice the zucchini, brush it with olive oil, season it and bake it in the oven or grill it until golden brown.
It will be also very tasty if you sauté it in a little olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper.
You can eat zucchini raw in a salad by slicing it into long thin strips with the help of a vegetable peeler.
Zucchini strips can be used as a healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta!
There are many popular recipes with zucchini such as zucchini bread and stuffed zucchini boats, so if you like, you can try some of them, just make sure to wash the zucchini thoroughly before using it.
You can safely store zucchini in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
More topics to discover:
