Understanding more about root vegetables is essential before you start growing them. Root or underground vegetables include garlic, onions, potatoes, carrots, beets, and more. They offer diverse flavors, being a type of vegetable that grows underground. They also have higher density with regard to vital nutrients and come with numerous health benefits. Indian root vegetables are those starchy vegetable types which grow below the soil. The starchy component is known as the storage organ and grows underneath the soil while the other components of the plant grow right through the soil, going till the surface. The peak season for these vegetables is the time between spring and fall.
Types of root vegetables
There are many examples of root vegetables, including roots of sweet potato, onion roots, celery root and even some unusual root vegetables. In fact, if you were to compile an extensive root vegetables list, you will come across the following:
1. Bulbs
These are vegetables with a bigger bulb for storing nutrients. Examples include shallots, onion, garlic, fennel and others.
2. Tubers
These include sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams and others.
3. Corms
They have thicker and shorter stems, with examples including Taro, water chestnut, celery root, and more.
4. Root crops
They include starchy veggies such as parsnips, beets, carrots, turnips, etc.
Health benefits of root vegetables
Some of the biggest benefits come from the nutrients contained in root vegetables. These include antioxidants, fibers and carotenoids which help in reducing cancer risks and safeguarding eye health. Consuming root vegetables gives us rich folate, potassium, fiber, complex carbohydrates, Vitamins B, A, and C and manganese. Carrots for example have beta carotene which turns into Vitamin A within our bodies, boosting our overall immunity. Many herbs and vegetables help in making you to become strong so don't skip them at all in your food.
Beets come with betaine which is good for the heart and also has nitrates that ensure improved blood circulation and reduced blood pressure, while being rich in manganese, potassium, folates, iron, B vitamins and other beneficial ingredients. Potatoes contain potassium and Vitamins B6 and C. Turnips contain Vitamin C which helps in combating infections and they are also rich in fiber which enables better digestion. Other key components include Vitamins A, B, C, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and potassium. Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of Vitamin A; one is enough for meeting daily Vitamin A needs with aplomb.
Tips to grow
You should first create the bed for growing along with ensuring that the crop gets loose and properly drained soil for expansion of roots. Also, one must take care of seedlings properly in order to have the best output. Make sure that you clean the soil suitably along with fertilizing in adequate amounts. You should time the planting carefully while thinning regularly. Weeding, feeding and watering are the next steps. This will ensure that you get healthy and beneficial root vegetable crops without any hassles and hence help you in successfully germinating the little seeds.
About Urja Seeds
Urja Seeds is your one-stop repository for seeds of various types including microgreens seeds, vegetable seeds, flower seeds and herbs & exotic seeds too. You will find the best seeds online here for starting your own journey of growing vegetables and greens, while also getting exposure to beneficial knowledge, insights and more.
FAQs
Q1: What are root vegetables?
Ans: Root vegetables are those vegetables that grow underground, while having higher nutrient density at the same time.
Q2: What are some examples of root vegetables?
Ans: Some examples of root vegetables include carrots, turnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes and more.
Q3: What is the biggest health benefit of eating carrots?
Ans: Carrots have carotene which is highly beneficial for the body, being turned into Vitamin A within it. They are also good for ensuring better eye health.