It may surprise you to know many delicious veggies start with the letter O. Some of these include onions, okra, and oil palm.
Each has its unique flavor and you can enjoy them in salads and stew.
Keep reading to see the full list of veggies that start with O.
1. Orache
Orache is a plant in the amaranth family that is grown for its edible leaves. You can eat the leaves raw or cooked and it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Orache is a good source of fiber, vitamins, iron, and calcium.
It is found in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, such as tabouli and kibbeh. Orache makes great salads. You can use also these vegetables the same way you’d use spinach.
Another way to enjoy this veggie is when you dry and crush it into a powder before using it as a thickener in soups and stews.
The powder can also serve as a natural food coloring. Orache plant is easy to grow and does not require much care. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soils.
2. Okra
Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family and one of the veggies that start with O. The plant is native to Africa, where it has been cultivated for centuries. And its scientific name is Abelmoschus esculentus.
This veggie is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid climates. It produces edible seed pods, which people use in soups and stews.
You can convert the seed pods to okra oil and use it in cooking or as a topical treatment for skin conditions.
Okra is a nutrient-rich food and is a good source of dietary fiber. It also contains numerous antioxidants, which can protect against diseases such as cancer.
3. Ogonori
Ogonori is a type of edible seaweed that is often used in Japanese cuisine. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a chewy texture. You can use it as a sushi ingredient, wrap it around rice balls, or in soups and stews.
Some common dishes that use ogonori are okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake), chirashi sushi (a type of sushi where the ingredients are scattered on top of the rice), and miso soup. You can use it as a wrap for grilled fish or meat.
If you cannot find this veggie, substitute it with other types of edible seaweed such as wakame or kombu. Ogonori is a good source of iodine, iron, and calcium.
4. Oil palm
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a tropical tree that originates from West Africa and is now cultivated in many tropical countries around the world.
The oil palm fruit produces two types of oil: palm kernel oil, which is from the seed of the fruit. And palm oil, which comes from the flesh of the fruit.
You can use the oil from the seed to make soap, cosmetics, and even biodiesel, or use the leaves of the oil palm tree as fodder for livestock, and the trunk for lumber.
5. Onion
Onions start with O, and as veggies, they are one of the most cultivated species in the genus Allium.
Onions have one thing in common, their pungent taste and strong smell. They are a necessary food ingredient in many dishes and pair well with other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and peppers.
They can be sautéed, roasted, or grilled, and you can store them in a cool, dark place for up to two months. Onions are a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.
6. Oregano
Oregano is a herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and you can use its leaves to add flavor to food or as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Also, oregano often serves as a seasoning for pizza, pasta dishes, and meat. And you can use it to make homemade herb oils and vinegar.
It is popular for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and serves as a natural remedy for respiratory infections, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
Oregano oil can relieve muscle pain or insect bites. And you can add it to dishes, like pizza, pasta, soups and stews, salads, dips, and spreads.
FAQs
Are onions good for high blood pressure?
Yes, they are. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Are all herbs vegetables?
Yes, but herbs are a subset of vegetables. Herbs are closely related, physically and nutritionally, to vegetables. The only difference is that it’s easier to eat vegetables raw than herbs.
Are vegetables high in carbohydrates?
No, they aren’t. Most vegetables contain low carbs but are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. 100g of vegetables contains 13g of carbohydrates.
Conclusion
You see, many veggies start with the letter O. Each of them has its unique flavor and nutritional benefits, and it’s always best to include them in your diet for a balanced meal.
Most veggies go well in salads and soups, and you can eat them raw to get the most of their nutrients.
Never be afraid to experiment with your veggies.
Thank you for reading.
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