Are you looking for a comprehensive list of popular vegetables? Look no further! Circana’s household panel research has revealed the top 20 fruits and vegetables purchased by households in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting on your culinary journey, this vegetable guide will help you make informed choices when it comes to selecting, storing, and cooking popular vegetables.
Top 20 Fruits and Vegetables Sold in the US
When it comes to healthy eating, incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet is essential. Circana’s research provides valuable insights into the most popular fruits and vegetables that Americans consume. Here is a list of the top 20 fruits and vegetables sold in the US:
Fruits:
- Bananas
- Apples
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Melons
- Avocados
- Blueberries
- Mandarins
- Oranges
- Peaches/Nectarines/Plums
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Blackberries
- Pears
- Lemons
- Limes
- Kiwis
- Grapefruit
- Mangoes
Vegetables:
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Corn
- Salad mix
- Cabbage
- Green beans
- Cauliflower
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
These top fruits and vegetables offer a wide range of flavors and nutritional benefits. Incorporating them into your daily meals can help you make healthier choices and enjoy delicious, wholesome dishes.
How to Select, Store, and Cook Popular Vegetables
When it comes to enjoying popular vegetables, knowing how to select, store, and cook them can make all the difference in flavor and freshness. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore the world of vegetables, these tips will help you make the most of your produce.
1. Selecting Popular Vegetables
When selecting popular vegetables, keep an eye out for certain qualities that indicate freshness and quality. Here are a few key tips:
- Artichokes: Look for heavy artichokes with tightly closed leaves.
- Asparagus: Choose asparagus with bright green spears and tightly closed tips.
- Carrots: Opt for carrots that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored.
- Tomatoes: Look for tomatoes that are plump, smooth-skinned, and vibrantly colored.
2. Proper Storage Techniques
Proper storage is essential for preserving the freshness and flavor of your favorite vegetables. Here are a few storage tips for popular vegetables:
- Artichokes: Store artichokes in a tightly sealed reusable produce bag in the refrigerator. Use them within a few days for the best flavor.
- Asparagus: Trim the ends of asparagus and store them upright in a glass of water in the refrigerator.
- Carrots: Remove carrot greens and store them separately from the roots. Place the carrots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep them crisp.
- Tomatoes: Store tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, until they fully ripen.
3. Cooking Methods for Popular Vegetables
Popular vegetables can be prepared using various cooking methods to bring out their natural flavors and textures. Here are a few cooking techniques to try:
- Steaming: Steam vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower to retain their nutrients and crispness.
- Boiling: Boil potatoes, corn, and green beans for classic side dishes.
- Roasting: Roast Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and winter squash for a caramelized and hearty flavor.
- Grilling: Grill eggplant, peppers, and zucchini for a smoky and charred taste.
- Sautéing: Sauté spinach, kale, and onions to incorporate them into pasta, stir-fries, or omelets.
Popular vegetables can also be used in a variety of dishes, such as stuffings, stews, salads, and more. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to elevate your vegetable dishes.
With the right selection, storage, and cooking techniques, you can enjoy the full potential of popular vegetables in your meals. Don’t be afraid to explore new flavors and recipes to make the most of your produce!
Vegetable Pairings and Seasonality
Popular vegetables can be paired with various ingredients to create delicious and flavorful dishes. When it comes to vegetable pairings, artichokes and asparagus offer versatile options to explore. Let’s take a closer look at some mouthwatering combinations:
Vegetable | Ingredients |
---|---|
Artichokes | Balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, fava beans, garlic, lemon, mint, mushrooms, parsley, pepper, potatoes, onions, orange, peas, polenta, shallots, tarragon, thyme, and white wine |
Asparagus | Asparagus (yes, more!), balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, breadcrumbs, fava beans, garlic, lemon, mint, mushrooms, parsley, pepper, potatoes, onions, orange, peas, polenta, shallots, tarragon, thyme, and white wine |
These pairings offer a wide range of flavor profiles, giving your dish that extra kick. Whether you want to enhance the natural sweetness of artichokes or add a zesty twist to asparagus, these ingredients will surely elevate your culinary creations.
Keep in mind that the availability of vegetables varies depending on the season. Different vegetables thrive in different seasons, allowing you to take advantage of fresh and locally sourced produce. Here’s a general guide to seasonal vegetables:
- Spring: Asparagus, artichokes, peas, spinach, radishes, and fava beans
- Summer: Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, corn, bell peppers, and green beans
- Fall: Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin, kale, beets, and cauliflower
- Winter: Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, garlic, and winter greens
By embracing the seasonal nature of vegetables, you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful options available throughout the year.
Now that you know about the power of vegetable pairings and the benefits of seasonal produce, it’s time to unleash your culinary creativity and explore the endless possibilities offered by these delicious and nutritious ingredients.
Additional Popular Vegetables
Apart from the top 20 fruits and vegetables, there are also other popular vegetables that deserve recognition. These include artichoke, aubergine, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, kale, peppers, radishes, squash, tomatoes, and zucchini. These vegetables offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and culinary possibilities, making them great choices for healthy and delicious meals.
Whether you’re looking to diversify your diet or expand your recipe repertoire, these additional popular vegetables are the perfect ingredients to try. They not only add vibrant colors and fresh flavors to your dishes but also provide essential nutrients and health benefits.
The Benefits of Additional Popular Vegetables
Each of these vegetables brings its own unique qualities to the table. Let’s explore some of their key attributes:
- Artichoke: Known for its distinct flavor and high antioxidant content, artichokes are rich in fiber and may promote digestive health.
- Aubergine: Also known as eggplant, aubergine is a versatile vegetable that can be grilled, roasted, or used in Mediterranean and Asian dishes.
- Broccoli: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that offers numerous health benefits, including support for the immune system.
- Brussels Sprouts: These mini cabbage-like vegetables are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
- Cabbage: Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K, and it can be enjoyed raw in salads, pickled as sauerkraut, or cooked in various dishes.
- Cauliflower: This versatile vegetable can be used as a low-carb substitute for rice, mashed potatoes, or even pizza crust. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Celery: With its crisp texture and subtly bitter taste, celery is a hydrating vegetable that is often enjoyed raw, added to soups, or used as a flavor enhancer in dishes.
- Cucumber: Cucumbers are refreshing, low in calories, and a great source of hydration. They can be enjoyed chilled in salads, sandwiches, or as a healthy snack.
- Kale: Considered a powerhouse of nutrients, kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, sautéed, or used in smoothies.
- Peppers: Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers or spicy chili peppers, these colorful vegetables are bursting with vitamins and can add a flavorful kick to your dishes.
- Radishes: Radishes are crisp and slightly spicy, adding a refreshing crunch to salads and other dishes. They are also a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
- Squash: From butternut to acorn, there are various types of squash to choose from, each offering its own unique flavor and nutritional profile.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, sauces, and countless other dishes. They are a good source of vitamins A and C.
- Zucchini: Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that can be spiralized, grilled, or used in baking. It’s a great option for adding texture and nutrients to your meals.
With these additional popular vegetables, you can explore new flavors, experiment with different cooking methods, and create delicious and nutritious meals that your whole family will enjoy.
Vegetable Vs. Fruit Debate
There is often confusion when it comes to classifying certain vegetables that are botanically fruits, such as tomatoes. While they are technically fruits in botanical terms, they are commonly considered as vegetables in culinary contexts. This is why tomatoes and other similar vegetables are included in this list of popular vegetables. It’s important to note that the classification of fruits and vegetables can vary depending on the source and context.