10 Uncommon Vegetables Americans Should Add To Their Diet & 10 Common Ones Already In Everyone's Kitchen
10 Uncommon Vegetables Americans Should Add To Their Diet & 10 Common Ones Already In Everyone's Kitchen
A Closer Look At Your Vegetable Drawer
We all know how important it is to eat vegetables on the regular, but if you're tired of eating the same old thing every day, you're due for something new and exciting. There are plenty of veggies out there that you've never heard of, and we know that these are exactly what you're looking for. Here are 10 uncommon vegetables you need to try, and 10 common staples we already know you have.
1. Romanesco
Though romanesco is a vegetable that's hard to miss because of its bright green spirals, its unusual appearance is also precisely why it's not commonly found in American homes. It feels a bit intimidating to work with, despite having a similar taste to cauliflower, and works well roasted, steamed, or simply tossed into pasta.
2. Kohlrabi
Chances are, you've never even heard of this veggie before! This mild and slightly sweet vegetable is similar to cabbage and has a crisp texture that's ideal for slaws and salads. It's easier to work with than it looks!
3. Sunchokes
Also known as Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes have a slightly sweet, slightly earthy flavor that turns rich when roasted. They have an interesting texture that can turn creamy on the inside, but crisp on the outside, which can make for a satisfying bite.
4. Celeriac
It sounds close to celery, but one look at it is all you need to tell it's a completely different vegetable. It looks rough on the outside, but the inside does have a clean and fresh flavor with a slight nuttiness. You can mash it, roast it, or even grate it into salads!
5. Fiddleheads
This unique veggie might not seem like something that's edible, but when cooked properly, it has a grassy flavor and a crisp-tender bite. These should never be eaten raw, so always make sure to boil or steam them through before sauteing with simple seasonings.
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6. Purple Carrots
We know you probably have regular orange carrots in your fridge, but what about purple ones? Did you even know they existed? These colorful root veggies carry the sweet crunch you know and love, but can also have an earthier taste depending on the variety.
7. Watermelon Radish
This fun and vibrant looking vegetable certainly feels fresh and ideal for the summer! Watermelon radish has a pale green exterior, but a bright pink center that instantly makes salads look fancier and more enticing to eat. The flavor is peppery, but milder than other radishes, which might suit more sensitive palates.
8. Yardlong Beans
Sure, it's a bit of an exaggeration, but yardlong beans truly are long and slender vegetables commonly used in stir-fries and Southeast Asian dishes. These are firmer than green beans, which mean they hold up well when cooking.
9. Chayote
Chayote is a pale green squash with a mild flavor that fits nicely into soups, sautés, and casseroles. Its texture stays pleasantly firm when cooked, which helps it avoid becoming too soft in mixed dishes. We can see this easily working with plenty of different dishes, which is why it should make an appearance in more American diets.
10. Dandelion Greens
You likely don't think of dandelions as something to eat, but these greens have a bold, slightly bitter flavor that works surprisingly well with garlic, lemon, beans, and rich proteins. If you've been wanting a switch up from your usual spinach and kale, this is a great option!
1. Potatoes
Affordable, versatile, and popular with all age groups, potatoes are one of the most dependable vegetables around. Because they work in dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks, they're always found in plenty of American homes.
2. Onions
Onions are the quiet foundation of countless meals, even if they're never really the star of the show. Whether you're cooking up a stew, a stir-fry, or even a sauce, this veggie always has a role, which is why it's rare to come across kitchens that don't have at least several stocked.
3. Carrots
Purple carrots might be new, but not your classic orange ones! This vegetable is always easy to love because they’re sweet, crunchy, affordable, and useful in both raw and cooked dishes. They add color to soups, texture to salads, and natural sweetness to roasted vegetable trays.
4. Broccoli
Kids might struggle to love them at first, but broccoli has earned its place in everyday cooking for a reason. They're nutritious, easy to find, and quick to prepare, not to mention they can be cooked in so many different ways from steamed, roasted, stir-fried, and more.
5. Spinach
Spinach is a convenient leafy green because it cooks down quickly and blends into many meals without taking over. You can add it to eggs, pasta, soups, smoothies, and sandwiches with very little effort. They're perfect for adding a nice health boost to whatever you're making.
6. Bell Peppers
Sweet, crunchy, and so fun and color, bell peppers light up any dish you make. You can eat them raw or cooked, and the different colors come with varying sweetness and flavor too. They’re especially handy in common weekday dishes like stir-fries, fajitas, omelets, salads, and sheet-pan meals.
7. Tomatoes
Yes, we know tomatoes are technically a fruit, but they’re used like a vegetable in everyday cooking, so they absolutely belong in this conversation. They can be sliced for sandwiches, simmered into sauces, roasted for deeper flavor, or chopped into fresh salsa. Basically, they're good for everything!
8. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are refreshing, crisp, and can be served with no cooking skills required. They’re great in salads, sandwiches, chilled soups, and make for a great quick pickle. Not to mention, they pair well with creamy or tangy dressings all the time, too.
9. Zucchini
A great summer vegetable, zucchini tastes delicious whether it's grilled, sautéed, baked, spiralized, or added to quick breads for a health kick. Its mild flavor allows it to work well with a variety of flavors, which makes it a great addition to any kitchen pantry.
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10. Lettuce
Of course, lettuce is a kitchen regular because it makes salads, wraps, sandwiches, and burgers feel fresher with just one bite. Different types offer different textures, from crisp romaine to tender butter lettuce and mild green leaf varieties, but no matter the kind, always wash them well.
