Tag: Vegetable family

According to the National Cancer Institute, cruciferous vegetables contain substances that may protect against cancer. This makes understanding what food category is broccoli in more than just a matter of trivia; it offers insight into its powerful health benefits.

Common spinach (*Spinacia oleracea*) is scientifically classified under the Amaranthaceae family, a detail that places this leafy green in a fascinating crop group. In fact, this classification reveals spinach's surprising relationship to other popular foods, including beets and quinoa.

Approximately 60% of the standard American diet consists of ultra-processed foods, but incorporating whole foods like black beans can significantly improve health. This makes the question, "Are black beans a legume?" especially relevant for anyone seeking to boost their nutrient intake with a simple pantry staple.

Though most people refer to it as a vegetable, butternut squash is technically a fruit from the gourd family. This familiar autumn staple, known for its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture, is botanically classified as a winter squash. Understanding its scientific family sheds light on its relationship to other common produce and its unique growing characteristics.

The genus *Allium* contains over 500 species of plants. The question of 'is garlic related to onions?' can be answered definitively with a look at their botanical classification, which places them squarely within the same family, making them close cousins in the vegetable world.