Stem vegetables : complete list & guide
Stem vegetables are edible plant stems, or parts of stems, that are consumed for their crisp texture and unique flavors. These vegetables can include shoots, stalks, or swollen stem bases. Common examples are asparagus, celery, kohlrabi, bamboo shoots, fennel, rhubarb, and cardoon.
List of all stem vegetables
Asparagus
Rhubarb
What to know about stem vegetables ?
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Name origin
Named for their edible stem parts
Botanical classification
Various botanical families, including Asparagaceae, Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Poaceae, and others
Vegetable structure
Edible stems, stalks, shoots, or swollen stem bases, often crisp and juicy
Stem vegetables in details
Stem vegetables are a diverse group of edible plants cultivated mainly for their stems or stalks. Popular examples include asparagus (young shoots), celery (leaf stalks), kohlrabi (swollen stem), bamboo shoots (young culms), fennel (bulbous stem base), rhubarb (petioles), and cardoon (leaf stalks).These vegetables are appreciated for their crunchy or tender textures and their distinctive flavors, which can range from mild and sweet (asparagus, kohlrabi) to aromatic (fennel) or slightly bitter (cardoon). They are commonly used in salads, stir-fries, soups, and as side dishes.Stem vegetables are usually rich in water, low in calories, and provide dietary fiber, vitamins K and C, potassium, and phytonutrients. They are often grown as annual, biennial, or perennial crops, depending on the species, and thrive in temperate to subtropical climates.Beyond their culinary uses, stem vegetables contribute to a balanced diet and are valued for their potential health benefits, including digestive support and antioxidant properties.
Related vegetable types
Leafy vegetables
