The classification of legumes and other vegetables is made according to the edible part of the plant.
This part can be underground, as in the case of roots, tubers and bulbs; it can be above ground, such as stems, leaves and flowers, and in some vegetables the edible part is the fruits and seeds.
Stalk or stem vegetables
In these vegetables, the edible part of the plant is the stem, which always grows above the ground, unlike the roots. Not all plants have edible stems.
Some of the best known stem vegetables are asparagus, celery, heart of palm and fennel.
leaf vegetables
Plants with edible leaves fall into this category. Leaves can be separated or very compact, like cabbage. Some of these vegetables need to be cooked before they are ready to eat, but they can sometimes be eaten raw.
Some examples are spinach, cabbage, watercress, lettuce, brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, chicory and mustard greens.
flower vegetables
Some plants have flowers and buds that can be used in our food. This type of vegetable is seasonal, being found in certain seasons of the year.
Some examples of flowers are cauliflower, broccoli and artichokes.
bulb vegetables
This is the part of the plant that grows just below the ground, and is between the root and the stem. Bulb vegetables are usually layered, like onions, and have a strong flavor.
Some examples are onion, garlic and turmeric.
seed vegetables
This category includes legumes that are used for food, which are sometimes shelled, such as peas, and sometimes not, such as beans. Non-legume plants that produce pods also fall into this category.
They usually grow above ground, but in some cases they can grow underground, like peanuts.
Some examples are beans, peas, licorice, peanuts and soybeans.
root vegetables
This category includes plants whose roots are edible and are used as vegetables.
Some examples of root vegetables are beets, carrots, turnips and radishes.
tubers
Tubers are a stem, usually rounded, that some plants develop underground, and that function as a nutrient reserve.
Although the potato is the best known tuber, other examples of this category are cassava, sweet potato and yam.
fruit vegetables
Plants whose fruits are used as vegetables are classified in this category. The pulp is the main edible part, and they can be eaten with seeds and skins. Plants bearing sweet, fleshy fruit do not fall into this group.
Some examples are tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chayote, eggplant, okra, cucumber and pumpkin.
See also the difference between:
- vegetables and greens
- types of lemon
- types of noodles
- types of sushi
