Many delicious vegetables start with the letter B. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy are just a few of them.
If you’ve ever had a taste of these veggies in your salads or stews, you’ll agree that they are highly nutritious and flavorful.
Vegetables are characterized mainly by their leaves, roots, and stems. In this guide, you’ll see an interesting list of veggies that start with B.
1. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a member of the cabbage family and are cruciferous vegetables native to Belgium. They have a strong, slightly bitter flavor, and are often served roasted or steamed.
Some popular foods that go well with this veggie include balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and lemon. You can also enjoy Brussels sprouts with bacon or pancetta.
For a more daring flavor, pair it with goat cheese or cranberries.
2. Bai Yor leaf
The Bai Yor leaf is a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine. It can be difficult to find outside of its native South Asia, but it is worth seeking out for its unique flavor. When cooked, the leaf has a slightly bitter taste that goes well with spicy foods.
Also, you can enjoy it with rice, curries, stews, and even soups. Aside from culinary, Bai Yor leaf is also useful in traditional Thai medicine.
3. Bamboo shoots
Bamboo shoots are the young, tender sprouts of certain species of bamboo. They are a popular food in many Asian cuisines and can be found fresh, canned, or dried in most grocery stores.
They have a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that goes well with stir-fries and soups.
Bamboo shoots are also packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamin A.
4. Betel leaf
Betel leaves are large, heart-shaped vegetables that start with B. It has a slightly bitter taste and serves as a wrap for foods like meats or vegetables. It is also sometimes used as a natural food dye.
Some common dishes made with betel leaves are biryani, curry, and soup. Betel leaf can also be used to make tea. When brewed, its tea has a slightly sweet taste and it aids digestion.
If you’re looking for a new way to add flavor to your food, betel leaf may be a good option to try. It is available in most Asian grocery stores.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family and is related to kale, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens. It has a green color and a tree-like appearance with large flower heads.
The florets on the broccoli plant are actually unopened flower buds. You can eat broccoli raw or cooked. It is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
When choosing broccoli at the grocery store, look for bright green florets with no brown spots. Also, the stalk should be firm and not mushy.
In addition, when preparing broccoli, wash it under cool running water and cut it into bite-size pieces. Broccoli goes well with garlic, lemon, olive oil, soups, and stews. And you can steam, roast it, or stir-fry it.
6. Broccolini
Broccolini is a vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. It is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale. It has a long stem with small florets that are arranged in a spiral pattern.
Its flavor is milder than broccoli and it can serve as a replacement for broccoli in many recipes.
Broccolini is often used in salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes. And pairs well with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Broccoflower
Broccoflower is a type of broccoli that is a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. It has a milder taste than either vegetable and you can enjoy it raw or cooked.
You can also use it in recipes that call for either broccoli or cauliflower, such as salads, soup, pasta dishes, and casseroles.
8. Broccoli rabe
Broccoli Rabe, also called rapini, is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the same family as broccoli and cabbage. It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used in Italian and Chinese cuisine.
When buying this veggie, look for fresh, crisp leaves and avoid those that are wilted or yellow.
Some of the best foods to eat with broccoli rabe include grilled chicken, pasta, rice, quinoa, and tofu. And stir-frying or sautéing are the best methods to cook this vegetable.
9. Bok choi
Bok choi is a type of Chinese cabbage that start with B, and its leafy green vegetables have a mild flavor.
It is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for those who are trying to lose weight. It also contains calcium, iron, and magnesium.
10. Beans
Beans are a type of legume that come in many different varieties. You can find beans in colors like black, white, red, and green.
Additionally, beans are a good source of protein and fiber, and you can eat them with rice, in soups or stews, or as a side dish.
11. Beans (green)
Green beans are a type of vegetable that you can enjoy any day. Common dishes that include green beans are casseroles, stir-fries, and salads.
When choosing this veggie, look for ones that are brightly colored and have a firm texture. Avoid beans that are yellow or have wilted leaves. Green beans can stay in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To extend their shelf life, wrap the beans in a damp paper towel before placing them in a plastic bag. They are a healthy food choice as they are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins.
12. Beansprouts
Beansprouts are crispy and crunchy vegetables. They have a slightly nutty flavor and are often used in Asian dishes. You can find them in most grocery stores and add them to stir-fries, salads, and soup.
13. Beets
Beets are root vegetables that have a sweet, earthy flavor. Some popular ways to eat beets include roasted beets, beet salads, and borscht (a traditional Russian soup made with beets).
14. Black Turtle Beans
Black Turtle Beans, also known as black beans, are a type of legume that is native to Central and South America. The beans are small, black, and have a glossy sheen.
They are often used in dishes such as frijoles negros, black bean soup, and quinoa with black beans. And are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
15. Black Eyed Peas
They are a type of legume that is popular in many parts of the world. Eating vegetables that start with B, like black-eyed peas has many benefits. They are a good source of protein and fiber.
You can use them as a filling for tacos or burritos, or serve them with rice or other grains.
16. Broad Beans
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a type of legume that is popular in many parts of the world.
They are often used in salads, soups, and other dishes. And it’s always better to cook them first. Broad beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
FAQs
Is buttercup squash a vegetable?
Yes, it is. Buttercup squash has dark green skin and orange flesh. And it is a member of the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins.
Is butternut squash a vegetable?
No, it’s not. Butternut squash is a type of winter squash harvested in the fall. It is often used as a substitute for pumpkin in recipes. And it is classified as a fruit.
Are beans legumes or vegetables?
Yes, they are legumes. And legumes are a subset of vegetables that have edible seeds inside of a pod.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to eating these vegetables that start with the letter B. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Also, they can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of certain diseases.
So, make sure to include them in your diet!
Thanks for reading.
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