What Vegetables Grow Underground?

There are many different vegetables that grow underground, including carrots, turnips, parnsips, rutabegas, Jerusalem artichokes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, beets, onions, garlic, kohlrabi, yuca, celery root, turmeric, ginger, radishes, jicama, horseradish and daikon. Most vegetables that grow underground are referred to as root vegetables, with the exception of potatoes, which are part of the tuber family.

Most root vegetables are considered extremely healthy, as growing underground allows them to absorb many essential vitamins and nutrients out of the soil. They are also primarily made up of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which helps them to regulate feelings of hunger, metabolism, blood sugar and the digestive system. Although they are low in calories, root vegetables typically make a person feel full, which is why they are highly recommended for people trying to lose weight.

Many root vegetables can be grown throughout the year, but the majority of them are typically best during autumn and winter. The one exception is red beets, which are the most juicy and flavorful when picked during the summer. There are many different ways to prepare root vegetables, as most can be eaten raw in salads, roasted in the oven or on the stove, in soups, sauces or in slow cookers.