Tag: Underground vegetables

Botanically speaking, the most common example of a stem tuber consumed globally is the potato. While many underground vegetables are often mistakenly called tubers, a true tuber is a swollen, fleshy underground stem or root designed for food storage and reproduction. This article clarifies the distinction and explores several examples of tubers.

Over 90% of the global production of root and tuber crops consists of potatoes, cassava, and sweet potatoes. These underground storage systems are often grouped together in cooking, but botanically they are distinct, each playing a different role in the plant's life cycle. Understanding what are the roots and tubers reveals the fascinating science behind these versatile and nutritious foods.

Botanically, the edible part of a garlic plant is not a root but a bulb, which is a type of modified underground stem. While it grows underground and is often mistaken for a root vegetable, its structure and function are fundamentally different from a true root.

Did you know many vegetables commonly called 'root vegetables' are not botanically true roots, but modified underground stems? This article explains **what is a root that we eat** by clarifying the difference between true roots, tubers, and other subterranean vegetables, exploring the wide variety available, and detailing their unique nutritional benefits.