Have you ever wondered how many vegetables start with the letter V? Probably not… until today. Maybe you’re playing a word game or you want to impress during a dinner (because, let’s be honest, naming a rare vegetable always has an effect). In any case, get ready to discover some lesser-known vegetables that definitely deserve a place on your plate.
Vegetables that start with V: unsuspected treasures
Let’s not kid ourselves, the letter V is not the most generous in the vegetable garden. No “variety of purple carrots” or “vague greens.” But the few selected ones are definitely worth it, both for their taste and their nutritional benefits. Here’s the cream of the crop of vegetables that start with V (yes, okay, the selection is short, but qualitative!).
The vitelotte: the flashy purple potato
Ah, the vitelotte! With its dark, almost black skin and intense purple flesh, it’s impossible to confuse it. This ancient tuber is part of the large family of potatoes, but with a little “rockstar” vibe thanks to its funky color.
What are its advantages?
- Rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins (which give it the purple color).
- Source of fiber and vitamins C and B6.
- Low in calories but rich in taste (perfect if you want to treat yourself without guilt).
In the kitchen, the vitelotte is ultra versatile: mashed (purple, it’s stunning), fries, chips for a stylish aperitif, or even in a warm salad. The little bonus? It retains its color during cooking. Guaranteed to impress on Instagram.
Swiss chard greens: the forgotten fridge vegetable that deserves better
When we talk about Swiss chard, we often think of the stalks, but the Swiss chard greens are just as tasty. It’s a bit like the shy cousin of a large family: it’s there, but no one really pays attention to it. Mistake! Because in terms of taste and nutrition, it’s a big standout.
Why should you love it?
- Full of vitamins A, C, and K (your immune system will thank you).
- Rich in iron and magnesium, perfect for avoiding fatigue.
- Very low in calories but packed with nutrients.
You can cook it like spinach: sautéed in a pan with a bit of garlic, in a quiche, or even in a gratin. Honestly, it’s simple, quick, and delicious.
The vosgien: the mysterious cabbage
Okay, the vosgien is a bit of the “underground” vegetable. Not the most famous, but it definitely exists. It is a hardy variety of cabbage that primarily grows… in the Vosges (you guessed that, didn’t you?).
What does it offer?
- Loads of fiber for a perfect digestive transit.
- Rich in vitamin C to boost your energy.
- Perfect in soup or stew in winter, warming the heart and stomach.
Table of the superpowers of vegetables that start with V
| Vegetable | Health Benefits | Recipe Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Vitelotte | Antioxidants, fiber, vitamins | Purple mash, funky fries, chips |
| Swiss chard greens | Vitamins A, C, K, iron | Quiche, gratin, sautéed with garlic |
| Vosgien | Fiber, vitamin C | Rustic soup, winter stew |
Simple and delicious recipes to highlight vegetables that start with V
Now that you know the stars of the day, let’s get to the serious stuff: cooking. I promise, you don’t need to be a Michelin-starred chef.
Vitelotte puree (to impress)
Ingredients:
- 500 g of vitelottes
- 20 cl of heavy cream
- 30 g of butter
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
Preparation:
- Peel and cut the vitelottes into pieces.
- Cook them in boiling salted water for 20 minutes.
- Drain, mash with the butter and cream.
- Season to taste. Admire the color and enjoy.
Swiss chard greens gratin
Ingredients:
- The greens from a bunch of Swiss chard
- 3 eggs
- 20 cl of liquid cream
- 100 g of grated cheese
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
Preparation:
- Blanch the Swiss chard greens in boiling salted water (3 min).
- Drain and roughly chop.
- Mix with beaten eggs, cream, cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Pour into a gratin dish, bake at 180°C for 25 min.
Simple, effective, and so good.
Vosgian soup, the cozy recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 vosgian cabbage
- 4 potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- Vegetable broth
Preparation:
- Chop all the vegetables into pieces.
- Sauté the onion in a bit of oil.
- Add the vegetables, cover with broth, and let simmer for 40 min.
- Blend (or not, depending on your taste). Enjoy hot.
How to grow your own vegetables that start with V?
If the idea of biting into vegetables you’ve grown yourself tempts you, here are a few tips.
The basics of growing vegetables that start with V
- Vitelotte: loves sun, light and well-drained soil. Plant in April, harvest in September. Easy.
- Swiss chard greens: low-maintenance, grows everywhere. Water regularly, especially in summer.
- Vosgien: hardy, perfect for cool climates. Resists frost well.
Beginner gardener tips
- Remember to mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Rotate crops to prevent soil depletion.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Gardening is also about learning from your mistakes.
In summary
Who would have thought that vegetables that start with V could be so varied and interesting? Whether you’re a curious foodie, a passionate word game player, or an aspiring gardener, you now have a wealth of knowledge to share. So, ready to try the eye-catching purple puree or grow your own vitelottes?
If you enjoyed this article, share it with your foodie friends, on your social networks, or even with your upstairs neighbor (the one who never knows what to cook). And if you want to discover more gardening tips, stay tuned, more surprises are coming soon!
Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
