Add Variety to Your Diet with Uncommon Fruits and Vegetables
Add Variety to Your Diet with Uncommon Fruits and Vegetables
Why Routine Matters
There are around 3,000 different types of fruits and vegetables in the world—about 2,000 fruits and 1,000 vegetables.
How many of these diverse foods have you tried?
The exact count may vary, depending on access to rare or unique varieties—but one thing’s clear—the world of produce is incredibly diverse.
Still, most of us reach for the same familiar options each time we shop.
Next time you're in the grocery store, think about what you might be passing by and what new flavors you could discover.
Discovering Uncommon Veggies
While the highlights of the produce aisle are often familiar staples like carrots, broccoli and bell peppers, you can sometimes find rare or overlooked veggies—especially at specialty, international or organic markets.
Let’s first explore a few uncommon vegetables:
- Romanesco—This bright lime-green vegetable with a striking, fractal-like pattern features a mild and nutty flavor and can be roasted like broccoli or cauliflower.
- Kohlrabi—A versatile member of the cabbage family, kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw or cooked, from the bulb to the greens. Slice it fresh with a sprinkle of salt and pepper or roast it in the oven with other texturally similar veggies for a delicious side dish.
- Sunchokes—With soup season just around the corner, sunchokes are the perfect addition, thanks to their mild nutty and earthy flavor!
Unique and Tasty Fruits
Try these unique, tasty fruits:
- Starfruit—Bright yellow and literally star-shaped, starfruit adds a playful touch to a fruit bowl. Its light, crisp texture and mildly tart flavor make it a fun snack or garnish.
- Passion Fruit—Passion fruits are aromatic and tangy, packed with crunchy seeds that add a burst of texture.
- Persimmons—With their smooth, soft flesh, persimmons can be eaten like an apple. They resemble tomatoes, so choose carefully!
Challenge Yourself Next Grocery Trip
Next time you’re at the grocery store, challenge yourself to try one new fruit or vegetable—your taste buds will thank you!