When my mom told me to eat my veggies growing up, I always shrugged her away; which kid has ever liked eating veggies? In hindsight, I realize her insistence was the key to a long and healthy life for me, for which I am eternally grateful.
Root vegetables are one of the healthiest and most nutritious whole foods because they come from the earth, quite literally, as they are, basically, edible roots.
All root vegetables grow underground, packed with essential nutrients and minerals from the rich soil. Along with their health benefits, they are immensely easy to grow and can be grown in your backyard today!
These fresh vegetables, such as carrots and beets, along with their leafy greens, make great additions to any dish, providing a scrumptiously sweet flavor for your taste buds that also fights against chronic diseases.
There are different types of root vegetables, including:
- Taproots: all types of radish, including daikon radish and parsnip.
- Tuberous roots or stems: regular and sweet potatoes.
- Bulbs: all types of onions, including red onions and garlic.
- Corms: celery root.
Table of Contents
25 of the Most Popular Root Vegetables to Grow
This list of root vegetables was personally grown by me, so it contains all the crucial bits of practical information needed by you to grow these glorious edible plants in your home garden, saving you several trips to the grocery store.
Along with my hands-on growing experience, I will also talk about the medicinal properties of these nutritious root vegetables. Lastly, their culinary uses will also be discussed through my adventures in the kitchen.
1. Raw Carrots (Zones 3-10)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Grown as a staple food in many regions, carrots and I have a special connection. They are one of my favorite root veggies due to their hardiness; they can grow in almost any climate and require little to no maintenance.
Being a fanatic of this nutritious food source, I grow my carrots twice a year, once during spring and again in late summer, as carrots can survive frost. In fact, the colder the growing conditions, the sweeter the taste. Next, I go for a well-raked soil mix because carrots prefer loose soil with minimal debris and good drainage.
Then, I plant my carrot seeds directly into the soil about half an inch deep at a spot that receives almost 6 hours of direct sunlight. Carrot seeds require consistent moisture, especially during germination.
Look out for pests such as carrot flies and aphids, and add a balanced fertilizer in moderation to achieve the best results.
And voila! After 60 to 80 days, I harvest the carrots using a fork, which helps me to loosen the soil before I reap the fruit of my hard work. This is a great way to harvest the main storage organ of the plant without damaging it.
Pro-Growing Tip: My game-changer is growing radishes with carrots because radishes make perfect companion plants as they germinate quickly, allowing greater nutrient and water uptake.
Their Medicinal Uses
Did you know? Carrots grow in different colors, not just orange. Astonishingly, they come in a rainbow of colors that are more attractive and nutritious than their conventional counterparts.
However, even orange carrots are one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. They ooze vitamin K and are known for their high concentration of antioxidants, including the most well-known: beta carotene.
I firmly believe in ‘A carrot a day keeps the doctor away,’ sorry apples. Carrots reduce the body’s oxidative stress to a level where the risk of stomach and prostate cancer is minimized.
Culinary Uses
Alas, my favorite part about carrots is their versatile application in the culinary world. I usually eat them as a ready-to-go snack with a mayo dip sauce, as their scrumptious, crunchy texture always bewilders me. I also use them in proper cuisines, including pasta, casseroles, stews, and soups; the possibilities are endless.
How to Store Raw Carrots
I pick the best carrots from my produce, remove parts of the plant that draw moisture, such as the greens, clean the most important part of the plant — the raw carrot, and refrigerate them using a perforated plastic bag for ventilation.
2. Onions (Zones 5-7)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Onions are one of the most common root vegetables grown worldwide because of their hardiness; they can withstand the harshest winter months. I grow them during the growing season, which starts in early spring.
Growing onions was never challenging because I used a special trick. Many people have failed onion gardening endeavors because they directly plant the seed in the soil.
Mostly, the fragile seeds do not survive, and it all becomes a waste of time and effort. So, the solution is to get yourself onion seedlings and plant them directly into the soil; this shortcut has served me well ever since the start of my growing days 20 years ago.
Moving onto the technicals, plant your seedlings 1 to 2 inches deep in loamy and loose soil, with rows 2 to 6 inches apart.
I religiously ensured the soil had moisture at all times because onions prefer dry and cold settings, which are moisture’s biggest enemy.
Finally, a balanced fertilizer applied twice, once when the plant emerges and bulbs form, is the icing on this teary cake.
After 100 to 150 days, I harvest my onions after their tops have browned out and died. I use a fork to loosen the surrounding soil before carefully plucking the flavorful goodness out of the ground.
Their Medicinal Uses
With sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin, onions are loaded with antioxidants that fight against free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative damage. Additionally, they combat the most prevalent heart disease in the world: high cholesterol levels.
An onion is a great addition to any savory dish due to its aromatic taste. For me, a meal without onions is not a healthy diet because the absence of onions means no surge of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and whatnot.
Culinary Uses
Onions come in various color types, each with a distinct flavor profile and culinary application. I use green onions for garnishing any dish, especially salads, as they add a kick of crispy freshness.
For tangy applications, such as salsa and pasta, I like to use red onions due to their flamboyant taste. Yellow onions provide me with their caramelizing prowess, and white onions gift me their magnificent richness to add to soups and stews.
How to Store Onions
After picking the best of the bunch, I place my onions in a jute basket on my kitchen countertop where the mean temperature remains between 45°F to 60°F. You can store your produce in cool, dry conditions, and away from other fruits and vegetables, especially potatoes.
3. Radishes (Zones 2-9)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Radishes are one of the most low-maintenance vegetables to grow. I love the fact that they are ready to harvest in a month or less, which means they can be grown in batches all summer.
I sow the seeds directly in loose, well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Next, the same routine will be followed: ensure the soil is moist and 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Their Medicinal Uses
I often eat radishes instead of potatoes because the former is low in carbs to support my fitness goals in the gym. While low in carbs and calories, radishes have plenty of fiber and vitamin C — two nutrients ideal for a healthy digestive tract and immune system.
Culinary Uses
For all you gym freaks out there, radishes can be your fitness’ holy grail as they pack a solid nutrient punch with low carbs and calories, so they can be substituted for roasted potatoes for your sides. I not only roast radishes but eat them as a raw snack after sprinkling some salt on them for the ultimate savory taste.
How to Store Radishes
Radishes require 30°F to 45°F, so I store mine in a perforated plastic bag in my refrigerator. Since radishes are best consumed while fresh, I try to finish my batch in a week.
4. Beets (Zones 2-11)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
It’s a win-win situation with beets because they can be harvested in just a couple of months, and not only do you get this scintillating superfood, but also its green foliage that is loaded with minerals and vitamins and being my favorite.
I plant my beets in early spring, during the growing season’s peak, so that my red beets can get enough sunlight; it’s all about the sunlight.
Only through proper sunlight exposure will your red beets produce their characteristic color and flavor. The cooler weather during early spring is also a plus point. Both red and golden beets also require thorough watering.
Once my beets reach the size of a golf ball, I quickly harvest them because they taste best when harvested earlier.
Their Medicinal Uses
This delicious root vegetable epitomizes the saying: “As sturdy as a root vegetable, firmly grounded in the earth.” Since I started consuming red and golden beets regularly, I have seen a massive improvement in my digestive performance since beets are a good source of fiber.
Beets are also loaded with several nitrates responsible for dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Personally, my blood flow was always questionable before I regularly started consuming beets in my diet; my lower blood pressure since then is enough proof.
Culinary Uses
While red beets have an earthy and aromatic nutty flavor, golden beets have a sweeter flavor. So, you can use both as per your taste requirements.
I love to add beets to my barbeque sessions, salads, main dishes, and juice smoothies. Their foliage is my favorite part compared to the rest of the plant because it is brimming with important nutrients and taste.
How to Store Beets
Using paper towels, I make a bed for my unwashed beets in an airtight container. Then, I place the container in the refrigerator after removing all the greens. The beets can easily hold for 2 to 3 months.
5. Parsnips (Zones 2-9)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
The carrots’ cousin, parsnips, require 3 to 4 months to mature completely — a considerable amount of time. However, it’s a good idea to plant them during early spring so you can bless your Thanksgiving stuffing with them.
I don’t worry about the frost because parsnips are hardy enough to survive the temperature drops; the frost makes them taste sweet.
I grow these starchy vegetables by planting the seeds half an inch deep and 1-inch apart. I ensure the soil is well-drained and moist at all times; I achieve this feat by adding mulch on the banks of the rows.
You know what comes next: six hours of direct sunlight, weeding, and balanced fertilizing, you know the drill.
Their Medicinal Uses
Parsnips are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, one important for the immune system and the other for bone health.
If you’re struggling with weight loss, like I did before discovering the healthy prowess of these starchy veggies, give parsnips a shot as they are low in calories and fat and have a low Glycemic Index, which is ideal for maintaining blood sugar levels.
Culinary Uses
I eat my precious parsnips in various ways: eating them raw, mashing them for sides, sauteing them, and roasting them. I adore their sweet and nutty flavor, which has hints of earthiness to it as well.
How to Store Parsnips
You don’t need a medieval root cellar to store your parsnips. First, clean them thoroughly and remove all tops. Then, I wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in an airtight container in my refrigerator. It’s good that they last 2 to 4 months in storage.
6. Horseradish (Zones 3-6)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Did you know? The name horseradish has nothing to do with horses. In Old English, anything built strongly was called a “horse.” The name is apt as horseradishes are one of the most well-known root vegetables for hardiness; pests and diseases do not worry them a bit.
Horseradish has perennial roots that grow rampantly, so ascertain it doesn’t infringe territories of your other plants. The rest of the growing is simple: plant them in spring and harvest in fall before the ground freezes. Full sunlight, loose nitrogen-rich soil, and constant checks for plant domination are necessary.
Pro-Growing Tip: I routinely cut the large leaves of my horseradishes to enhance the root’s flavor as more nutrients from the soil are diverted towards it.
Their Medicinal Uses
Loaded with antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamin B, and calcium, horseradishes provide an ample kick of the good stuff.
Culinary Uses
The spicy taste of horseradishes is scrumptious, so I add it to my sauces, creams, and salads. Their incredible crunch is another enticing factor that makes me devour them in my sandwiches.
How to Store Horseradish
Since the root is the most important part of a plant, especially for root vegetables, remove the top and greens. I store mine in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag after a comprehensive cleaning.
7. Turnips (Zones 2-9)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Since turnips are fall crops that love the cold, plant them in spring. I directly plant the seeds about a quarter of an inch deep and an inch apart in well-drained and loose soil under full sun.
I prefer planting turnips because they come in various colors, such as golden and bright red, and are ready in 2 months.
Their Medicinal Uses
The leaves of turnips are the most nutritious part of the plant. I always plant turnips during the growing season because they always give me the most bang for my buck, as not only do I get the turnips, but the delicious and nutritious leaves, too.
As studies suggest, eating cruciferous vegetables such as turnips can reduce the risk of stomach and lung cancer. They are also teeming with vitamin C, which is crucial for skin health.
Culinary Uses
I like to mix and match turnips for potatoes as they can substitute potatoes almost perfectly. They can be stir-fried, baked, boiled, sauteed, and even made french fries out of, or should I say, turnip fries. Turnip greens perfectly bless any salad and sandwich.
How to Store Turnips
I store my turnips in the refrigerator in the chiller section, where it’s cold, dry, and dark. Perforated plastic bags conveniently wrap my turnips, which have all their greens removed beforehand.
8. Sweet Potatoes (Zones 10-12)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Sweet potatoes are a chef’s dream. Amongst all varieties of potatoes, sweet potatoes are the most sought-after because of their widespread culinary application and nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are relatively intensive to grow since all the good things in life take effort.
Since sweet potatoes love the warmth, I plant them in early summer. Sweet potatoes don’t grow the ordinary way as they are propagated from slips, which are tubular shoots that grow on the skin of mature sweet potatoes.
I prepare my planting bed by choosing loose soil with proper drainage and loosening it 8 to 10 inches deep by removing debris and rocks.
Then, I plant the slips about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows. In their initial growth stage, the slips require plenty of water, so keep the soil evenly moist. And, for fertilization, use a balanced 5-10-10 fertilizer.
Their Medicinal Uses
Sweet potatoes are loaded with pantothenic acid, which breaks down food into energy for the body. Recently, their popularity has grown, especially in men, as they are known to boost testosterone in men.
They are also ideal for controlling your blood sugar level, weight loss, and heart disease.
Culinary Uses
If I’m not consuming them raw, I bake and boil them to make delicious sides for my steaks and burgers. Their sweet taste makes them perfect for smoothies and shakes as well, truly a delicious root vegetable.
How to Store Sweet Potatoes
After the harvest, I store mine in a warm and humid place for around 14 days. Then, I follow the same storage regime by keeping them in my home’s cool, dry, and dark makeshift root cellar.
Do not make the mistake of keeping your sweet potatoes in the refrigerator because they require constant ventilation to produce the best taste.
9. Regular Potatoes (Zones 1-7)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
The United States is the only exception for potatoes because they are grown as annuals here instead of perennials, which is the norm.
I plant them in hilled rows and cover them with 3 inches of well-drained and acidic soil. They need full sun for survival and regular watering to achieve consistent moisture.
Their Medicinal Uses
Almost 2,000 varieties of potatoes are being cultivated in 160 countries today, which is mind-blowing. They are loaded with vitamins B and C, dietary fiber, and resistant starch, which is extremely beneficial for your gut health.
Culinary Uses
Potatoes are everywhere: in savory dishes, french fries, sides, you name it. They are one of the most eaten vegetables in the world.
I go gaga for french fries, so potatoes are naturally an important plant for me to grow — at the top of my list. However, I always try to make my cooking as healthy as possible, so I use olive oil for all my frying.
How to Store Regular Potatoes
Airflow is vital in storing potatoes for long durations, so put all your potatoes in a basket and keep the basket in a dry, cold, and dark place.
10. Ginger (Zones 9-12)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Did you know? Ginger is both a spice and root vegetable. Suited to tropical climates, ginger is a delicacy in East Asia due to its nutritional benefits and monetary value. But, fear not. You can grow ginger in cold climates in a container, too.
After obtaining a rhizome, the ginger stem, which is firm with apparent “eyes,” plant it in a 12-inch deep container. I take the conventional route of planting the ginger “eyes” up about 1 inch deep in slightly acidic soil containing plenty of organic matter. Consistent watering is necessary during the growing season, and 6 hours of full sun is required.
After 8 to 10 months, I harvest my precious ginger by carefully removing it from the soil.
Their Medicinal Uses
Originally a flowering plant from China, ginger has incredible healing benefits, including gingerol, a compound with numerous health benefits. Ginger is also brimming with antioxidants that help ease inflammation and nausea.
Culinary Uses
The possibilities for me are endless when it comes to ginger. Ginger’s pungent and spicy taste turns any boring meat dish into culinary heaven. I also use my homegrown ginger to make ginger tea and ale, which are superb things for my immune system.
How to Store Ginger
According to my experience, a good way to store ginger is in an airtight container inside my refrigerator — the goods stay fresh for many months.
11. Garlic (Zones 1-5)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Garlic is the easiest vegetable you can grow, trust me. All you need to do is plant a few healthy-looking garlic cloves during winter, and in spring, you will have a full harvest.
I plant my cloves in nutrient-dense soil with proper drainage. Full sun and regularly moist and loose soil are the prerequisites to go by.
Their Medicinal Uses
Garlic is chock-full of healthy goodies for you. Vitamins B6 and C, allicin, and manganese are ideal for maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
If I am struck with the common cold, the first thing I make is garlic soup, the garlic being sourced from my garden, of course.
Culinary Uses
Garlic has diverse culinary applications; garlic powder makes a tantalizing spice for my pizzas, garlic soup is the cure to my minor illnesses, and garlic bread is my favorite appetizer.
How to Store Garlic
I store my garlic in bushels in the root cellar, which is a cold, dry, and dark place. They can be stored for 4 to 5 months.
12. Daikon Radish (Zones 2-7)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Since it’s called the winter radish, daikon radish grows best when planted in early spring as they thrive in temperatures between 50°F to 70°F.
After preparing the soil bed by removing rocks and debris, plant the seeds half an inch deep in the soil. Then, you know the drill: regular watering, full sun, and weeding are necessary for optimal results. I harvest my daikon after 45 to 60 days.
Their Medicinal Uses
Daikon radish is loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that help strengthen the immune and digestive systems. They may also prevent certain types of cancers thanks to the chlorogenic acid present in them.
Culinary Uses
I usually pickle my daikon radishes, use them in salads, and eat them crunchy raw after sprinkling some salt.
How to Store Daikon Radish
Once the harvest is complete, I remove the tops and greens, clean them, and store them in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag; my daikon radishes last 3-4 months in the chiller.
13. Celery Root (Zones 7-10)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Celery, also known as celeriac, is a cool season crop, so it’s to be planted in early spring or late summer. But, before planting, I duly prepare the soil bed because the root of a celery plant requires sufficient soil fertility and drainage. I add compost and rotting manure, and loosen the soil 4 inches deep.
I plant my celery ¼ of an inch deep in the soil with rows spaced 12 inches apart. Finally, I harvest my celery plants after 100 days of planting.
Pro-Growing Tip: After one month of planting, mound the soil around the base of the plant to heighten flavor.
Their Medicinal Uses
Celery is loaded with hydration with its high water content and electrolytes, making it my favorite meal after an intense workout. Celery is also laden with antioxidants, such as apigenin, that fight inflammation and free radicals.
Culinary Uses
The sky is the limit when it comes to eating celery. I use them as a low-calorie, light snack, as the celery sticks go well with cream cheese and peanut butter dips. Celery is also a pivotal addition to any salad, along with lemon juice.
How to Store Celery Root
Remove the tops and store the root of the celery plant in a cool and humid place. My celery lasts for many months.
14. Rutabagas (Zones 3-9)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Rutabagas are relatively easy to grow. A little frost does their taste a favor, so plant their seeds half an inch deep in loose and slightly acidic soil during early spring.
I’ll assume you know the rest by now: planting in full sun and maintaining moist soil. I personally like their resistance to pests and short growth span.
Their Medicinal Uses
Rutabagas have plenty of fiber necessary for a healthy digestive system. They also possess glucosinolates, which are also found in cruciferous vegetables — these sulfur-containing compounds may reduce the chances of cancer by mitigating oxidative stress.
Culinary Uses
Bitter while raw but buttery sweet when cooked, rutabagas can be mashed and roasted. If you’re looking for a good reason to make a pie, this is it — everyone loves my rutabaga pies. And no, they don’t flatter me since they’re genuinely good.
How to Store Rutabagas
I remove the tops and store them in my root cellar, which is cool and humid. They usually last me several months.
15. Turmeric (Zones 9-11)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Usually grown in tropical climates, such as East Asia, turmeric can be easily grown from rhizomes. First, create a potting mix with proper drainage and loose, slightly acidic soil.
Next, plant the rhizomes 2 to 3 inches deep in the soil mix, which should be stored in a deep container. Finally, maintain soil moisture and sun exposure, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer after 2 to 3 months of planting.
After 8 to 10 months, your turmeric will be ready to harvest. The harvesting stage can be identified once dying yellow leaves appear.
Their Medicinal Uses
In India, turmeric is considered a sacred herb because of its overall benefits. It has antimicrobial properties that uplift gut health. Moreover, curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has incredible anti-inflammatory properties, helping in pain relief.
Culinary Uses
Basically, turmeric is a spice. It is India’s staple spice used in almost every curry-based cuisine. It is also used in soups, stews, as a meat marinate, and beverages.
How to Store Turmeric
After harvesting the turmeric, clean the rhizomes and let it air dry for about a week. Then, store it in a cool and dry place.
16. Kohlrabi (Zones 7-11)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Known for its unique shape, which catches the eyes of many, kohlrabi has a bulbous stem similar to a turnip’s.
Fortunately, they are easier to grow compared to turnips as all you need to know are the basics: plant kohlrabi seeds a quarter of an inch deep in loose and fertile soil and ensure regular moisture.
Your kohlrabi will be ready to harvest 6 to 8 weeks after planting. The bulbous stem should be almost 3 inches in diameter.
Their Medicinal Uses
Kohlrabi has plenty of water, which will fulfill your hydration needs. It’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, essential for reducing the body’s oxidative stress and inflammation.
Culinary Uses
I love eating my kohlrabi raw. The mild, almost sweet taste bedazzles me everytime. Also, I like how light and refreshing this cruciferous vegetable is. Besides eating it raw, it can also be added to soups and served sauteed alongside meat dishes.
How to Store Kohlrabi
After removing the leaves, I store my kohlrabi in the fridge in plastic bags.
17. Fennel (Zones 4-9)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
I grow my fennel in a garden bed, which I prepare myself with well-drained and loamy soil. Adding organic matter, such as compost and manure, is also a plus. Then, I follow the usual steps of planting my fennel in direct sunlight and keeping the soil moist.
Upon harvest, you will get fennel leaves, bulb, and stem.
- Leaves: The leaves will be harvested after they grow 7 inches long.
- Seeds: Once the flowers turn brown and wilt, cut the flower’s head to obtain the seeds.
- Bulb: Once the bulb measures 3 inches in diameter, cut it with a sharp knife from the soil level.
Their Medicinal Uses
Anethole, which gives fennel its licorice-like flavor and health benefits, has been shown by studies to intensify the digestion of carbs through enzymes.
It also has antimicrobial properties. Fennel is also packed with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and manganese. Fennel is also great for eye health.
Culinary Uses
Cooking fennel gives it a distinct earthy flavor that goes well with almost every dish. I prefer eating them raw as I love the licorice flavor. Also, I often add fennel to my salads to give them a crunchy boost of flavor.
How to Store Fennel
I recommend using your fennel leaves and bulb as soon as you can to acquire the best taste. For the seeds, I place them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
18. Jerusalem Artichokes (Zones 3-9)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Plant your Jerusalem artichoke tubers about 3 inches deep in loamy and fertile soil during spring. After providing regular watering and direct sun exposure, your artichokes will be ready to harvest in about 150 days when the plant wilts.
Their Medicinal Uses
Inulin is the main carbohydrate found in Jerusalem artichokes; it helps in maintaining blood sugar levels. It also aids in digestion since inulin is a prebiotic. On the other hand, potassium and iron promote bone health.
Culinary Uses
I roast my Jerusalem artichokes with salt, olive oil, and a little ginger powder, until they turn golden to give them a mouthwatering caramelized flavor. They can also be mashed and combined with cream or a sauce to make a delectable side dish.
How to Store Jerusalem Artichokes
I keep mine in my refrigerator as they last for months there.
19. Salsify (Zones 5-9)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Salsify is a historic root vegetable that has been grown since Roman times. However, it is not widely grown today. This is reason enough to grow it in your garden because it is unique and has an exquisite oyster-like taste.
Start by preparing a garden bed by adding loose, well-drained, and fertile soil. Plant the seeds about half an inch deep in early spring, and provide regular direct sunlight and watering. The ancient root vegetable will be ready for harvest during early winter.
Their Medicinal Uses
Salsify is stacked with vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The rare root vegetable is also a stunning source of dietary fiber, which looks after gut health.
Culinary Uses
With a hint of oyster, salsify can be used in salads, sandwiches, and soups, to provide the ultimate versatility in taste.
How to Store Salsify
Salsify is commonly stored like carrots, in a cold and dry place.
20. Chinese Artichoke (Crosnes)
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Chinese artichokes are grown from small tubers. Plant your Chinese artichoke tubers about 2 inches deep in well-drained, loose, and fertile soil. The spot should receive direct sunlight, and the soil should always remain moist for the tastiest results.
I have grown these remarkable tuberous roots only once in my gardening journey, even though it was a rewarding and straightforward experience.
You will know it’s time for harvest when the tubers have grown 4 inches long, and the plant has died; Chinese artichoke usually takes 120 days to prepare.
Their Medicinal Uses
This rare root vegetable is loaded with nutrients, especially dietary fiber and prebiotics, that are great for the digestive system.
Culinary Uses
I sautéed my Chinese artichokes with peas and garlic in olive oil — try it out. You will not regret it.
How to Store Chinese Artichoke
My Chinese artichokes were easily stored in my refrigerator.
21. Cattail
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Similar to lotus root, cattail grows in water bodies such as ponds and riverbeds. If you don’t have a waterbody near you, fret not as you can grow cattails in your backyard.
All you need to do is dig a 10-inch hole in the mud, place the cattail rhizomes at the bottom of the hole, and cover the hole with mud. Finally, submerge the hole with water.
Harvest your cattail during spring.
Their Medicinal Uses
Cattail has various antimicrobial applications, as it has been used to dress wounds. Its mucilage is known to prevent skin irritations as well.
Culinary Uses
Cattail can be used fresh in salads, boiled and mashed as a side, and added to soups.
How to Store Cattail
After putting them in an airtight container, store them in the refrigerator. But, don’t store them beyond a week as they will go bad.
22. Dandelion
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Plant the seeds in your garden bed during early spring. If you take consistent care of your plant by maintaining even moisture and regular sunlight exposure, you can harvest your dandelion greens after just a few weeks. This is a gift that keeps on giving as you get continuous harvests.
Their Medicinal Uses
Dandelion greens are immensely healthy for you as they support bile production in the liver, which digests fat. These leaves are a great detoxifying solution, too, as they expel toxins from the body.
Culinary Uses
They are the perfect fix for all kinds of salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries.
How to Store Dandelion
Dandelion greens should be eaten fresh as they do not have a lengthy shelf life. If you’re lucky, you can squeeze a couple of days worth of storage in the fridge.
23. Burdock Root
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Burdock root seeds go directly into the soil about a quarter of an inch deep during early spring. If you keep the soil consistently moist, provide the burdock plant direct sunlight, and keep pests at bay, your burdock root will be ready in 5 months, during late summer.
Their Medicinal Uses
In many cultures worldwide, this outstanding root vegetable is considered a blood purifier. If you have skin problems, burdock will eliminate your acne and eczema.
Culinary Uses
Specifically in Japan, burdock is highly recognized for its impressive mineral content. So, it makes a great addition to soups, stir-fries, and salads.
How to Store Burdock Root
Store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerators do the trick.
24. Yucca
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
You might not have heard of yucca, but you would’ve definitely heard of cassava. During the initial months of planting your yucca seeds, in early spring, frequently water your plant.
You must also ensure a well-drained soil mix. Then, during early summer, harvest the young flower stocks.
Their Medicinal Uses
Yucca is widely used to treat osteoarthritis, inflammation, and reduce swelling with its antimicrobial effects.
Culinary Uses
Yucca is more starchy than potatoes, so they are to be boiled and mashed to make a perfect, filling side.
How to Store Yucca
A root cellar is dark, cold, and dry, an ideal place to store yucca.
25. Leek
How to Grow Them in Your Garden
Belonging to the same families as onion and garlic, leeks are superb vegetables sown directly into the well-drained soil about a quarter of an inch deep. Plant them in late summer and reap the gifts in fall, after 150 days.
Their Medicinal Uses
Leeks have ample flavonoids that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Culinary Uses
They are widely used as a mellow base flavor in soups and stews.
How to Store Leek
Store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a refrigerator.
Credits:
Photo: Sanddebeautheil via Canva.com
Photo: Udra via Canva.com
Photo: Halamka via Canva.com
Photo: HandmadePictures via Canva.com
Photo: Deyan Gerogiev via Canva.com
Photo: Deyan Gerogiev via Canva.com
Photo: Vaitekune via Canva.com
Photo: Lucentius via Canva.com
Photo: Okugawa via Canva.com
Photo: Deyan Gerogiev via Canva.com
Photo: MarkGillow via Canva.com
Photo: Olga Evtushkova via Canva.com
Photo: Subas chandra Mahato via Canva.com
Photo: MariaBrzostowska via Canva.com
Photo: Danler via Canva.com
Photo: Riza Azhari via Canva.com
Photo: Vaitekune via Canva.com
Photo: Vaivirga via Canva.com
Photo: StudioBarcelona via Canva.com
Photo: Ewa Saks via Canva.com
Photo: Sanddebeautheil via Canva.com
Photo: Gabriele Grassl via Canva.com
Photo: Madeleine_Steinbach via Canva.com
Photo: Madeleine_Steinbach via Canva.com
Photo: Werajoe via Canva.com
Photo: Grahamphoto23 via Canva.com