Vegetables are edible parts of plants. They include flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. Some plants produce multiple types of vegetables, including fruits, which are then classified as fruits. Vegetables are commonly consumed in salads and soups. Learn more about how to choose a vegetable by reading about its health benefits, nutritional value, and other information. Also, learn about how to cook with vegetables. Here are some of the best recipes for vegetables.
The word vegetable is synonymous with plant. It is a multicellular eukaryotic, predominantly photosynthetic organism with no obvious nervous or sensory organs. Vegetable is derived from Proto-Indo-European base *weg or *wog-, which is the source of English wake. The word was first recorded in the 14th century, but its modern meaning of “plant grown for food” was not established until the 18th century.
The definition of a vegetable is complicated, and can vary from one culture to the next. A fruit, for example, is a seed-bearing structure produced from the ovary of a flowering plant. Vegetables include the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, seeds, and bulbs of a plant. But they can also be edible parts of a plant, such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.
The origin of a vegetable determines how best to store and handle it once harvested. Fruits and roots have waxy skins, whereas tubers are less likely to have waxy skins. In addition, root vegetables require high humidity. Seeds, meanwhile, contain stored energy in the form of sugars or carbohydrates. Shoots and buds, on the other hand, have very few reserves and require careful handling to prevent damage and deterioration.
Vegetables contain both fat and water-soluble vitamins. The nutrients in vegetables also include carbohydrates and minerals. Vegetables also contain a variety of minerals and are good sources of fiber and antioxidants. However, not all vegetables are created equal. Some are higher in fiber and have more protein than others, but the majority have similar amounts of vitamins and minerals. A lot of vegetables are low in calories and are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Those who choose vegetables over other food sources should increase their portion and variety of vegetables.
Despite these differences, many plants are considered fruits and vegetables. A tomato, for instance, is classified as a vegetable, while a fruit is a vegetable because of its seeds. The two are not identical, however, and many people use different terminology. Despite the differences, the classification of vegetables is highly subjective. The word “vegetable” can refer to any part of a plant that is edible. The New York Botanical Garden director of graduate studies, however, defines a fruit as any part of a plant that is ripe and contains seeds.
In addition to cruciferous vegetables, broccoli, bok choy, and brussels sprouts also fall into this category. Broccoli, for example, is a particularly nutritious vegetable that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer. It was developed by selective breeding of cabbage plants and is high in vitamin C. Another lesser-known vegetable is broccoli rabe. This vegetable is also known as Rapini, but it is often considered a separate vegetable.