Contents
Vegetable plants are divided into several categories, one of which is root crops. They have their own characteristics and classification. From the article you will learn what a root crop is and how to grow it.
What are root crops
Root crops are vegetables, the underground part of which is eaten by humans. This is a modified root that accumulates beneficial substances. Many vegetable crops, contrary to the common stereotype, do not belong to root and tuber crops. For example, onions are not root crops, but belong to bulbous plants. But potatoes, carrots and radishes are root crops.
What are the parts of a root? Such a plant consists of a head, a root neck and the root itself.
The head is the part on which the rosette of leaves is formed. It contains a minimum of nutrients, so it does not represent a special nutritional value. The neck is a hypocotyl without leaves and lateral roots, but there are roots at the very root part. Outside, the root crop is covered with a strong integumentary tissue.
Root vegetables are an essential part of our diet because these vegetables contain many nutrients.
Video “How to plant carrots and beets”
From this video you will learn how to properly plant carrots and beets.
Schematic classification
Schematically, these vegetable crops can be divided into four main groups:
- Cabbage. This group includes the most common vegetables that are grown in our country. These include turnips, turnips, radishes, turnips, horseradish and radishes.
- Aster. Despite its floral name, this group includes crops such as chicory and scorzonera. The first, for example, is often consumed by people who, for health reasons, are contraindicated in natural coffee.
- Marevy. Here the most common and popular representative of the group is beets.
- Umbrella. These include carrots, celery and parsnips, which are well known to all residents of our country.
Useful and harmful properties
Root crops have a number of characteristics that distinguish them from other vegetable crops. They have both positive and negative properties.
Positive properties:
- Low glycemic index, which prevents a sharp increase in blood sugar levels.
- They meet the basic needs of vegetarians as they make up the bulk of their diet.
- Small number of calories. Because of this, root vegetables are often eaten by people who need dietary nutrition.
- They are suitable for medical nutrition, since they contain many vitamin and mineral components.
- Various decoctions and infusions are used for medicinal purposes, as they have an excellent antiseptic effect. For example, they help in the treatment of wounds and burns.
Harmful properties:
- Accumulate harmful nitrates and metals. These include, for example, black radish, beets and radishes.
- May harm some people who have gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes.
Common species
Now let’s talk about what are the most common types of root crops, and consider each of them separately. In fact, they are all very familiar to us, as they are widely used in cooking.
rutabaga
Belongs to the Cabbage family and tastes like a symbiosis of cabbage and turnips. It is shaped like a beetroot. The pulp tastes slightly bitter. The aerial part is high stems, and all the foliage is collected near the root zone. The root crop itself is oval or round in shape, and its color depends on the particular variety.
Rutabaga contains many minerals and is often used as a diuretic. However, with intestinal diseases, it is better not to eat it.
Ginger
The roots have a primary structure, and on top they are covered with cork cloth. The central cylinder consists of a ring of bundles, and they are already divided into individual fibers. The aerial part consists of straight, hairless stems.
Ginger is a storehouse of vitamins and amino acids. It is often added to tea as a kind of “hot spice”. It improves appetite, memory, helps with colds and gastrointestinal diseases.
Potatoes
Perennial tuberous root crop from the Solanaceae family. Potato tubers are underground, and the above-ground part is a low green bush. On the surface of the tuber there are so-called lentils, the main task of which is to ensure air circulation.
The shape and color of the peel depends on the particular variety. The pulp is white or cream in color. The roots grow about 20-40 cm below ground level, so you need to dig potatoes very carefully. In the fruits themselves, three-quarters of water and dry matter, as well as a huge content of starch.
Potatoes should not be stored in the sun, as this way they accumulate the element solanine, which is dangerous to human health.
Carrots
Carrots come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the plant variety. The aerial part is stalks with leaves and flowers. The weight of the fetus is from 20 to 100 g, although there are real giants.
Carrots are rich in carotene, which helps improve eyesight. It also contains vitamins and minerals, which have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. In addition, the product is rich in essential oils, which makes it an indispensable tool in the manufacture of cosmetics and even perfumes.
Parsnip
Outwardly, it looks a bit like a carrot, although the parsnips are much larger. But the aerial part can be dangerous for a person and burn his skin if you work without gloves.
The plant is low-calorie, rich in vitamins. It has a spicy-sweet aroma, slightly reminiscent of carrots and parsley. Parsnip is a very healthy plant. It is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculosis, obesity and gallbladder diseases.
Celery
A plant with a thickened root and an aerial part covered with leaves. Grows in swampy areas. This is one of the rare cases where all parts of the plant are used in cooking. However, the most commonly eaten stem, which is rich in minerals and vitamins.
Celery is used to strengthen the immune system and relieve swelling. It also helps to eliminate problems with the gastrointestinal tract and contributes to the treatment of atherosclerosis. Although there are contraindications. For example, it should not be used by people who have kidney stones, as well as by pregnant women.
Jerusalem artichoke
Herbaceous perennial from the Astrov family. Tubers are located on the surface of underground shoots. The fruits are red, purple, yellow or white, depending on the variety. The aerial part is quite high, reaching up to 40 cm in height.
Jerusalem artichoke is used to treat anemia and obesity. It also helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Jerusalem artichoke is suitable for people who need to reduce the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Radish
It has small, pinkish-colored roots that are rather bitter in taste (due to the mustard oil in their composition). The aerial part is a small rosette of branched leaves. There are also small flowers.
Radish improves bowel function and promotes the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Although radishes are not recommended for people suffering from gastritis or inflammation of the gallbladder.
So, we examined the main root crops. In general, they make excellent salads, appetizers, desserts and jams. Even people who are not keen on cooking will find worthy uses for root crops.