If you’ve ever wondered about what is the easiest way to stay fit and healthy, the answer is very simple: you need to be active and include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Vegetables are foods rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, so they will have many beneficial effects on your health, including boosting your immune system and improving digestion.
If you don’t know where to start, and which vegetables to choose, here are our suggestions.
Even if you are a vegetarian, you will surely find something interesting in this article about vegetables that you may already use often.
So let’s start!
Check out the list of vegetables that start with the letter D
- Daikon Radish
The first one on our list of vegetables beginning with D is Daikon radish.
Daikon radish, also known as “Japanese radish” or “Chinese radish” is a type of large white radish that originates from Asia.
The radish has a mild flavor and a crunchy texture that many people like.
Interestingly, it can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 20 pounds.
Daikon radish is a good source of vitamin C and potassium, as well as small amounts of folate, calcium and iron.
It’s also low in calories and high in dietary fiber, so it can help stimulate bowel movements and improve digestion.
You can eat Daikon radish in a variety of ways. You can slice or grate it raw and add it to salads, sandwiches or sushi rolls.
It can also be cooked in soups, stir-fries or stews.
Additionally, Daikon radish is very tasty when pickled.
The leaves of Daikon radish are also edible and can be used in salads and soups.
- Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are actually the leaves of the dandelion plant.
They have a slightly bitter taste, but are rich in vitamins and minerals, so it’s a good idea to include them in your diet.
You can eat dandelion greens raw in salads and sandwiches, but you can also use them as an ingredient in various cooked dishes.
Dandelion greens are rich in vitamins A and K, as well as small amounts of vitamin C, calcium and iron, and are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as liver and kidney problems.
They are also a good source of dietary fiber, aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Dasheen
Dasheen is a tropical root vegetable that has large heart-shaped leaves and an underground stem called a corm, which is edible and can be cooked.
The corm has a starchy texture and white or light purple flesh that is often used as a substitute for potatoes.
Dasheen is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron.
Dasheen can be cooked in a variety of ways, and is often used to make cakes and breads.
This unusual veggie is a popular ingredient in many Caribbean stews and curries.
- Datil Pepper
Datil pepper is a type of hot pepper that is similar in shape and size to the habanero pepper.
It is usually about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.
Datil pepper is known for its intense heat and sweet, fruity aroma, and is a real treat for all those who like spicy food.
These types of peppers are usually harvested when they turn yellow or orange, and can be used fresh or dried.
Datil peppers are often used to make hot sauces and condiments, and you can also use them in stews and soups to add heat and flavor.
Datil peppers are similar in heat to habeneros, so it is recommended that you wear gloves when handling them and avoid touching your eyes or face.
- Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is a type of winter squash with an oblong shape.
It is also known as “peanut squash” or “sweet potato squash”, and has a thin edible skin that is yellowish in color with green stripes.
It usually weighs between one and two pounds and has a slightly sweet taste.
Delicata squash is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and dietary fibers.
It’s also relatively low in calories, so you can safely include it in your diet even if you’re on a weight loss regimen.
Delicata squash can be prepared in many ways, for example, you can roast it, mash it or make a puree.
It is very tasty when added to soups and stews or salads.
- Delicacy White Kohlrabi
Delicacy White kohlrabi is a variety of kohlrabi that belongs to the same family as broccoli and cauliflower.
This type of kohlrabi has a white bulbous stem that grows above the ground and is often used as a substitute for turnips because it has a similar crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor.
You can eat Delicacy White kohlrabi fresh in salads, or bake it, roaste it or add it to soups and stews.
Kohlrabi leaves are also edible and you can cook them or add them to salads, however you like.
Delicacy White kohlrabi is rich in vitamin C and potassium, and also contains small amounts of dietary fiber.
- Dickinson Pumpkin
Dickinson pumpkin is a medium-sized winter squash and typically weighs between 10 and 20 pounds.
It has a dark orange color and smooth, slightly ribbed skin.
This pumpkin is very popular because of its dense flesh and very pleasant sweet taste.
Dickinson pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, potassium and dietary fiber.
Pumpkin flesh is rich in carotenoids that can have beneficial effects on your brain and eye sight, while pumpkin seed oil can help with bladder disorders..
It is commonly used for cooking and baking, and is a very popular choice for various desserts. We’re pretty sure you all have a favorite pumpkin pie.
- Dill
Dill is a herb that belongs to the same family as fennel, caraway and cumin.
It has feathery green leaves and small yellow flowers, and is very specific for its unique flavor and aroma, which can best be described as a combination of anise, celery and lemon.
Dill is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as small amounts of calcium and iron, and can help with indigestion, insomnia and respiratory problems.
It also has antimicrobial properties and can be used as a natural food preservative.
You can use dill to flavor fish, soups, stews, and pickles. You can also use it in different sauces or you can make very aromatic dill butter.
It is always best to use it fresh as dill loses much of its flavor when dried.
- Dinosaur Kale
Dinosaur kale, also known as Lacinato kale or Tuscan kale, is a variety of kale that has distinctive dark green, elongated leaves that are slightly knobby.
Its leaves tend to have a sweeter flavor than other types of kale; they are less stringy and easier to chew.
Dinosaur kale is packed with nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium, potassium and dietary fiber.
You can eat Dinosaur kale fresh or cooked, you can add it to salads, sandwiches and soups or use it in dishes instead of spinach.
Dinosaur kale is a very popular ingredient in Italian cuisine.
You can even safely freeze it and use it later, because the color and texture of the leaves will be preserved.
- Dragon Tongue Bean
Dragon Tongue beans are a type of bean that has long, flat pods that are speckled with purple and white.
The purple “stripes” on the beans are actually full of nutrients, so as you can imagine, the darker the color, the higher the nutritional value of the beans.
In addition to being known for their unique appearance, Dragon Tongue beans also have a distinctive sweet yet tangy flavor.
When cooked, it has a fine creamy texture, so it is considered a gourmet bean, and is often used as an ingredient in high-end dishes.
Dragon Tongue beans are rich in nutrients. They are a good source of protein, dietary fibers, and minerals such as potassium and iron.
Dragon Tongue beans also contain vitamins A, C, and K and calcium.
This variety of bean can have beneficial effects on digestion, bone health, and your immune system.
It’s also low in calories and stimulates bowel movement, so it’s a good idea to include it in your diet, especially if you’re looking to lose a few pounds.
You can eat Dragon Tongue beans fresh or cooked, and you can also freeze them for later use.
- Drumstick Plant
The drumstick plant is a tropical tree that originates from India. It is also known as moringa.
This tropical tree produces long, thin seed pods that are often used in cooking and are known as drumsticks.
The drumstick plant is an excellent source of nutrients.
It contains high levels of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, calcium and protein. It can help treat various ailments such as inflammation, infections and digestive problems.
It also contains antioxidants, so it can have anti-diabetic and anticancer properties.
Young drumstick pods and leaves are often used in Indian cuisine, mainly added to curries and soups, while the seeds can be eaten or pressed for oil.
Dried drumstick leaves can be used as a spice.
The drumstick plant is not very common in North America, but you can find it in some specialty stores.
- Dulse
Dulse is a type of edible seaweed that grows on the rocks of the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
It is red algae that is usually harvested by hand, and is very popular as a snack.
Dulse is a bit chewy and has a slightly salty taste. It is rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, iodine, iron and potassium.
This type of algae has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, bone health and thyroid function.
It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Dulse is a very popular snack. You can eat it in salads, sandwiches and sushi rolls, and if you add it to soup, it will surprise you with its smooth, buttery texture.
Additionally, Dulse is a good alternative for anyone looking for a plant-based source of iodine.
- Dubna Garlic
Dubna garlic is a variety of garlic originating from the Dubna region in Russia.
This type of garlic has unusually large bulbs, with 6-8 cloves in each bulb. Its bulbs and cloves are very distinctive for their white color and purple stripes.
Dubna garlic has a strong aroma and a sharp taste that makes it an excellent choice for dishes where you want a bold garlic flavor.
Dubna garlic is a good source of vitamin C, B6 and manganese, as well as other minerals and antioxidants.
It is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects, and can contribute to a healthy heart and strong immunity.
- Dragon Carrot
Dragon carrot is a carrot variety known for its dark purple color and unique taste.
Dragon carrots are usually smaller than regular orange carrots and have a sweeter taste.
They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K and potassium and may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
The dragon carrot is used in cooking in the same way as the ordinary orange carrot.
It is very tasty raw, and whether you grate it or cut it into slices, it will be a very nice addition to your favorite salad.
Dragon carrots will also be delicious when roasted, stewed, and added to soups and stews.
Additionally, the dragon carrot can be a colorful and highly nutritious ingredient for making juices and smoothies.
You can buy this variety of carrots at some farmers markets or specialty stores, or you can grow them in your home garden, similar to orange carrots.
- Dolichos Beans
Dolichos beans are also known as Egyptian beans which are native to Africa and Asia.
This interesting variety of bean has a unique appearance, with deep purple or black seeds and long, curved pods.
Dolichos beans are a good source of protein, fiber and minerals such as iron, phosphorus and zinc.
It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a diuretic, to reduce fever and improve digestion. It has also been shown to be a good weight loss aid and a natural laxative.
Dolichos beans are popular in many cuisines, but they should be soaked overnight before cooking to soften and remove toxins.
You can use it to make curries, stews and soups, and we believe you will be delighted with its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Also, bean sprouts can be eaten as a delicious salad or you can use them to make different types of porridge.
Dolichos beans are actually often used in vegetarian and vegan dishes as a substitute for meat.
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