In the world under our feet, there’s a hidden kingdom of plants. This kingdom is full of roots that we can eat. These roots are not just parts of plants; they are special foods that come from the ground. They are full of good things that help us stay strong and healthy. Let’s dig into the ground of words and discover these hidden treasures together.
Root Vegetables List
- Ginger
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Garlic
- Radish
- Turnip
- Yam
- Taro
- Celeriac
- Turmeric
- Rutabaga
- Celery root
- Carrot
- Daikon
- Onion
- Parsnip
- Jicama
- Beetroot
- Kohlrabi
- Potato
- Shallot
- Sweet potato
- Burdock root
- Cassava
- Spring onion
- Galangal
- Salsify
- Lotus root
- Horseradish
- Arrowroot
- Scorzonera
- Malanga
- Maca root
- Oca
- Water chestnut
- Bamboo shoots
- Chicory root
- Boniato
- Ulluco
- Mashua
- Yacon
- Tigernut
- Fennel bulb
- Plectranthus rotundifolius
- Chinese artichoke
- Jerusalem Parsnip
- Skirret
- Sunchoke
- Tugabang
- Apios americana
- Elephant foot yam
Root Vegetables With Pictures
1. Ginger
Ginger is a warm, spicy root used in many dishes around the world. It grows under the ground and looks like a piece of wood. People use ginger to make food tasty and to help when they feel sick. It’s not just for flavor; it’s like a little medicine from the earth.
2. Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem artichoke is not from Jerusalem, and it’s not an artichoke! It’s a root that looks a bit like ginger. This root is sweet and crunchy and grows deep in the soil. People can eat it raw or cooked, and it’s good for your tummy.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a small, powerful root that adds a big flavor to food. It grows in a bulb with little sections called cloves. Garlic is not just for cooking; it also helps keep you healthy. People all over the world love garlic for its strong taste and health benefits.
4. Radish
Radishes are small, spicy roots that can be red, white, or even purple. They grow quickly and are usually eaten raw. Radishes add a crunchy bite to salads and are full of vitamins. They’re like the spicy little stars of the vegetable world.
5. Turnip
Turnips are round roots that can be white, purple, or green. They can be eaten raw or cooked and taste a bit spicy when raw. Turnips are good for you, full of vitamins and minerals. They’re like the tough, healthy warriors of the root family.
6. Yam
Yams are big, sweet roots that are very important in many countries’ food. They can be white, yellow, or even purple inside. Yams are usually cooked and can be very soft and sweet. They’re like the sweet, gentle giants of the root world.
7. Taro
Taro is a root that’s very important in tropical countries. It has a rough skin and white inside with little purple spots. Taro is usually cooked and has a creamy taste. It’s a root that brings a soft, smooth flavor to meals.
8. Celeriac
Celeriac is a kind of celery that grows mostly under the ground. It’s a big, round root with a rough skin. Celeriac tastes a bit like celery but is eaten like a potato. It’s a root that adds a fresh flavor to soups and salads.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow root that colors and flavors food. It’s used in powders and as a fresh root. Turmeric is also very good for your health, helping with many different body problems. It’s like the golden healer of the root world.
10. Rutabaga
Rutabaga is a large root that’s a bit like a turnip but sweeter. It can be yellow or purple and is eaten cooked. Rutabaga is full of good stuff for your body and adds a sweet, earthy flavor to meals. It’s like the sweet, strong friend in the root family.
11. Celery Root
Celery root, also called celeriac, is the underground part of a type of celery. It’s round and knobby and has a mild, celery-like flavor. Celery root can be eaten raw or cooked and is often used in salads and soups. It’s a versatile root that adds a subtle, fresh taste to dishes.
12. Carrot
Carrots are long, orange roots that are crunchy and sweet. They are loved by kids and grown-ups alike and can be eaten raw or cooked. Carrots are full of vitamins and good for your eyes. They’re like the sunny, happy friends in the garden.
13. Daikon
Daikon is a long, white radish from Asia. It’s mild and slightly sweet and is often used in salads and pickles. Daikon can be very big and is full of water, making it refreshing. It’s like the gentle, calm spirit in the root family.
14. Onion
Onions are round vegetables with a strong smell and flavor. They grow under the ground with green shoots reaching up. People use onions to add taste to their food. They can make you cry when you cut them!
15. Parsnip
Parsnips look like white carrots. They grow in the soil and have a sweet taste. People like to eat parsnips in soups and stews. They are good for you and full of vitamins.
16. Jicama
Jicama is a crunchy vegetable that grows under the earth. It looks a bit like a turnip and tastes a little sweet. You can eat jicama raw in salads or cook it. It’s popular in Mexican cuisine.
17. Beetroot
Beetroot is a dark red vegetable that grows in the ground. It has a sweet taste and is full of nutrients. People eat beetroot in salads, soups, and even juices. It can stain your hands red when you touch it!
18. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a round, light green vegetable. It grows above the ground, but its stem tastes like a root. You can eat kohlrabi raw or cooked. It’s crunchy and tastes a bit like a cabbage.
19. Potato
Potatoes are famous root vegetables. They grow in the soil and come in many sizes. People all over the world love eating potatoes. You can boil, bake, or fry them.
20. Shallot
Shallots are small, long onions with a mild taste. They grow under the ground in clusters. People use shallots to add flavor to dishes. They are less strong than regular onions.
21. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are orange inside and have a sweet taste. They grow in the soil and are good for your health. People eat sweet potatoes in many ways, like baked or mashed.
22. Burdock Root
Burdock root is a long, dark vegetable that grows in the soil. It’s popular in Asian dishes. The root has an earthy flavor and is good for your health. You can eat it cooked or pickled.
23. Cassava
Cassava is a long, starchy root vegetable. It grows in tropical places and is a major food in many countries. You must cook cassava before eating because it can be poisonous raw.
24. Spring Onion
Spring onions are young onions with a mild taste. They have long green stems and a small white bulb. People use spring onions to add flavor to salads and dishes. You can eat them raw or cooked.
25. Galangal
Galangal is a root similar to ginger but with a sharper taste. It’s important in Asian cooking, especially Thai dishes. The root adds a spicy flavor to soups and curries. It’s also used in herbal medicine.
26. Salsify
Salsify is a long, thin root vegetable. It’s sometimes called the oyster plant because it tastes a bit like oysters. People eat salsify in soups and stews. It’s not very common but is tasty and nutritious.
27. Lotus Root
Lotus root comes from the lotus plant and grows in water. It’s a long, white root with holes inside. People in Asia like to eat lotus root in salads, soups, and stir-fries. It’s crunchy and has a mild taste.
28. Horseradish
Horseradish is a root with a very strong, spicy taste. People grind it into a paste and use it to add heat to foods. It’s often served with meat dishes. Horseradish can make your nose tingle if you smell it too closely.
29. Arrowroot
Arrowroot is a starch extracted from tropical plants. People use arrowroot powder as a thickener in cooking, like for sauces and desserts. It’s gluten-free and easy to digest.