Many times we are eating vegetables and we do not realize that they are really the roots of the plants and that they are the ones that absorb the nutrients from the soil to incorporate them. We are used to the fact that plants normally have their edible fruits and it is not the root that is eaten.
Many vegetables produce a thickening of their roots so that various nutrients that the plant needs and those nutrients can be better grouped can be consumed by people, in addition to providing valuable minerals and vitamins. Do you want to know which are the best edible roots?
Edible roots
These roots have quite a few classifications. First we find those that are branched, that is, they grow in the same way as the branches and leaves of trees. The adventitious are the roots that are formed in various parts of the plant, finally, the napiforms, which are those that grow with a thicker main root and in which the food and water necessary to feed the rest of the plants accumulate. plant.
Among the most famous and consumed edible roots around the world we have:
Carrot
The best known in the world. It is one of the best edible roots and consumed in all places on earth. It is a source of vitamins and stands out for the presence of more elongated and orange roots. Yes, although it seems strange, the carrot that we eat and that we put in salads, it is nothing more than the root of the carrot plant.
Carrot has many benefits: it reduces the chances of occasional constipation, reduces stomach pain, is a diuretic food, is beneficial for the skin, relieves respiratory processes, lowers cholesterol, and is good for eyesight, among others.
In addition, the carrot can be consumed in many ways: raw, in juice, salad, cooked, steamed, fried, etc.
Turnips
Turnips are also quite thickened and rounded roots that are white in color. The leaves of the turnip plant are called turnip greens and are also eaten in salads. To consume them they must be fresh and in good condition. The most common way to eat them is raw, since this way you can better absorb their moisturizing characteristics, their vitamin C, fiber and minerals such as calcium or magnesium.
Radishes
This root and vegetable is bright red in color and can be seen in salads. On the one hand, it has vitamin C and this benefits people thanks to its antioxidant action. Too it is rich in fiber and helps in digestion, and it has many minerals, such as iodine and potassium. Radish provides diuretic properties and helps you lose weight.
Tubers
The tubers are found underground and are also edible. The most famous is the potato, since it is consumed all over the planet. The potato has many possibilities in the kitchen. It can be steamed, fried, boiled, roasted, etc. It is said that they are not properly roots, but that They are thickened stems that perform the same functions as the roots. As an example apart from potatoes we find sweet potatoes, cassava or manioc.
They have very beneficial properties for health since they are rich in healthy calories. Cassava stands out for its high content of carbohydrates and reduces the level of cholesterol. In addition, it has fiber, it has vitamin K, minerals such as magnesium and copper, and it is good for the flu. It is recommended to those people who do sports and make great physical efforts for its high mineral content and large amount of energy it provides. It is also good for reducing stress and anxiety.
Other edible roots
Among the edible roots we find beets, onion, garlic, celery, parsnips, or leeks. They are strongly common in the kitchens of half the world and are mixed to give flavors to various dishes, such as stews, sauces and accompaniments to meat and fish.