Root vegetables are valuable sources of nutrients. Even in ancient times, people used them to replenish the reserves of vitamins and minerals in the body.
Since then, mankind has brought out many of their hybrids, which, with varying degrees of popularity, are in demand among the inhabitants from different countries. Most people appreciate such roots due to the sick amount of starch. During long-term observations, people noticed that edible root parts that were collected in spring and autumn are able to demonstrate the highest starch content. In some cases, the rhizome will distill part of its starch into sugar at the onset of spring, which is also highly valued among lovers of a delicious lunch.
A modified root sometimes reaches truly record sizes of about a meter in length. But there are also species that reach only a few centimeters for a given parameter. Usually their shape is the outline of an onion, but there may be exceptions such as oblong silhouettes, slightly flattened or completely round.
In addition to being staple foods for vegetarians, these gardeners often form the basis for the preparation of various medicines. Moreover, it is far from necessary that these be recipes from traditional medicine, since some of their features allow them to be used for herbal medicine.
But if you want to taste unknown species, it is imperative to study the detailed information about the specimen you like. The increased caution is explained by the fact that exotic root crops sometimes contain poison in their composition.
Schematic classification
Another interesting story is the study of archaeologists. They came to the conclusion that initially beet roots had an elongated shape. She looked like the outline of a carrot. Over time, the form changed, and it received its modern shape only in the sixteenth century.
All available root crops schematically form four main families:
- cabbage;
- aster;
- gauze;
- umbrella.
The first category covers vegetables traditional for many Slavic peoples. In addition to radish, the list includes radish, horseradish, swede. Also included here are turnips, turnips.
Among the aster representatives, chicory and scorzonera are distinguished. The first is often prescribed to coffee lovers who, due to irritable bowel syndrome, are prohibited from drinking natural coffee.
Of the mariaceae, the most common member of the family is the beetroot. But the umbrella ones are richer in representatives:
- carrot;
- parsley;
- parsnip;
- celery.
Separately, the entire list can be divided by the age of the “life” of each vegetable. Most of the roots that have undergone modification are considered biennial. But annual specimens like radishes or perennials, represented by katran and horseradish, are much less common.
Composition secrets
It is difficult to overestimate the role root crops play in the life of every consumer. They are highly appreciated not only by vegans, but also by those who put the observance of the rules of a healthy diet in the first place. There are separate fodder varieties that are grown in order to be fed to farm animals. For their processing for livestock, only the simplest feed cutter is required, because the products are given raw. Passing through the grinder does not deprive them of their original nutritional value.
But the biologically active composition of each vegetable can vary from species and other features of the variety. An equally significant role here is played by the growing area and the technological approach to plant care before harvesting.
The average components for root crops that were not affected by heat treatment include:
- about 90% water;
- amino acids;
- proteins;
- sugar compounds;
- Omega-3;
- glycosides;
- phenolic substances;
- pectins;
- cellulose;
- vitamins of groups A, E, C, B, PP;
- minerals like potassium, sulfur, iron, silicon, phosphorus, cobalt, copper, boron.
Together, this made the underground parts really useful for adults and children alike. Their distinctive feature is a low glycemic index. In practice, this means that the selected tuber will block a sharp increase in blood sugar, which will be a useful find for those prone to diabetes.
Thanks to a small amount of calories on the background of food of animal origin, vegetables of this type will become indispensable in the lives of those who strictly follow the figure. It is not for nothing that most dietary nutrition schemes are based on fruit and vegetable base.
Adds advantages to the fact that their storage does not require special conditions. It is enough just to move the stocks to a dark place that is well ventilated and a low temperature is maintained there. Basements and cellars are ideal solutions for this.
Often examples of various tinctures and decoctions for ailments of any organ affect the need to use just root crops. Moreover, they are boiled, ground, squeezed out the juice and used in some other way, not only for internal use. Some recipes call for external use when extensive burns or open wounds need to be treated. Thanks for this should be the antiseptic qualities that have a beneficial effect on the regeneration functions of the affected organism.
But along with the great benefits, one should be aware of the possible harm. Often it concerns dishonest care of the future crop, when dishonest gardeners add various chemicals to accelerate growth. Some, in order to achieve a good effect in a short time, even exceed the allowable dosage.
But even without this, ordinary carrots are able to “please” the presence of arsenic and strontium. Because of this, an orange root crop should be bought only in trusted places so as not to purchase goods from an unfavorable ecological zone.
edible root vegetables
The unusual structure of plants has long ceased to surprise people. Now they are mostly interested in which specimen to choose and whether it is edible.
Among those vegetables that are most often present in the composition of various dishes, the highest demand is for:
- beet;
- carrot;
- turnip;
- horseradish;
- wild parsnip;
- earth pear.
Depending on the geographical location, radish, sweet potato, goose cinquefoil, ground pear, peanut may be added to the list. In some cases, not only the parts hidden in the soil, but also the leaves are eaten. But herbalists often do not disdain even escape, if he is able to boast of some healing qualities.
In exotic countries, they use its so-called sugar substitute – sweet potato. And although according to the botanical classification they are not at all similar, outwardly the two root crops really have a significant similarity. But the taste of sweet potato is sweeter.
Wild parsnips are usually grown specifically in the backyard. The plant itself has spines and small hairs that interfere with harvesting. But here its edible component will please with a wide vitamin set, which can be obtained by eating a boiled root crop.
The ground pear, which many people know as Jerusalem artichoke, looks more like a sunflower. Its dimensions in height often reach one meter. But such a large stem is not of particular value, because only the underground part is used for food. At the same time, in order to preserve nutritional value, doctors generally advise not to peel off the skin from root crops. Instead, they are gently washed.
The American peanut looks quite exotic against the background of the usual turnip. Enthusiasts tried to adapt it for their regions. In some areas, it does feel quite good, although it originally grew exclusively in the wooded areas of North America.
The only caveat here is a careful approach to the choice of edible parts. It should be only small tubers that are pre-boiled or fried.
Potentilla goose can also be found far from everywhere, as it usually settles in areas with high humidity. Its roots are allowed to be eaten raw, but in order to enjoy food, it is better to boil them or at least stew them.
Not all beet lovers know how useful it is. Its main advantage is the rejuvenating effect. She also:
- has a shock supply of folic acid;
- an abundance of silicon;
- has the ability to make the skin elastic.
With its regular consumption, it will be possible to improve the condition of the hair, making it stronger and at the same time shiny.
Also, adherents of traditional medicine know that its composition has a beneficial effect on intestinal tone, and also stabilizes brain activity. The last quality will be especially liked by those who, on duty, must constantly be in constant mental stress.
To get all the nutrients, and especially folic acid reserves, do not get too carried away with heat treatment. Prolonged exposure to temperatures practically negates all the benefits of the product. Because of this, connoisseurs prefer small tubers that boil quickly, and then they can be added to a salad with a minimum amount of spices.
Many people know about the benefits of carrots. First of all, she is able to boast of the presence of beta-carotene, which is the best friend of the skin and stable vision. But even without his main weapon, the orange healer has reserves of other nutrients like selenium. It helps the immune system to cope with the duties assigned to it in case of negative external factors such as bad ecology.
Some people who are far from botany are surprised by the fact that carrots contain phytoncides. They effectively affect pathogens, not inferior in productivity to onion and garlic phytoncides.
Also, not all lovers of the main ingredient in the rabbit menu know that the body needs vitamin E and zinc to absorb beta-carotene. These components should dissolve in fats, which will contribute to the speedy absorption of the useful component. Because of this, many diet recipes with a carrot component include the addition of sunflower oil and seeds.
The turnip, which saved ancient people from starvation during the cold period, deserves special attention. This vegetable practically does not lose its nutritional value during prolonged storage. Even after a whole season in the basement, she will please with a shock dosage of calcium, which works to reduce the risk of fractures and caries.
Also there is vitamin C, folic acid and carotene. This magical trio will help even a weakened body successfully survive winter epidemics of viral diseases or flu outbreaks. This is explained by the fact that when replenishing the reserves of these elements, immunity works at full strength, protecting internal organs from possible damage from the outside.
The most important thing when eating vegetables that hide in the soil is knowing the measure. Consumption of vitamins in doses exceeding the recommended figure is unlikely to be beneficial.