"I love root vegetables: carrots, parsnips, and turnips."
--Julia Child
Some of my favorite vegetables are root vegetables that grow underground. Some of the edible parts also grow above ground, as in the case of beets. Beets are so good for you and beet greens are powerhouses of nutrition. I have seen shoppers at local farmers markets buy bunches of beets and ask the farmer to discard the greens. Whenever I see that happen, I happily offer to take the greens to saute in a bit of olive oil and fresh garlic.
Here is a
list of root vegetables for you and your kids to look for when you go to your
local farmers market:
- Carrots
- Ginger
- Potatoes
- Beets
- Garlic
- Onions
- Sweet potatoes
- Fennel
- Celeriac (celery root)
- Turmeric
- Rutabagas
- Turnips
- Radishes
One of the local
farmers at the New Albany Farmers Market in New Albany, Indiana grows garlic; cooking with fresh,
locally grown garlic is pure joy. When I
roast root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, yellow beets, and onions, I usually
add a clove or two of fresh garlic.
Sometimes I roast veggies on parchment paper and other times I make foil
packets of veggies. Either way, this is
a great way to prepare root vegetables enjoy on a bed of brown rice and quinoa
cooked in vegetable broth. A favorite dish of mine is fresh corn with minced ginger and coconut milk. Something about ginger brings out the best of corn's amazing flavor. Ginger is also very good to slice into a cup of your favorite hot tea. Ginger is very soothing and good for an upset stomach and digestion. Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories in the world.
Enjoy root vegetables and incorporate them into your foods and meals. You will be healthier when you do.
With love,
Nancy
Heinrich, MPH
Founder and
Wellness Architect
Growing
Healthy Kids, Inc.
