by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: May 06, 2009   Last Updated: September 15, 2010

Vegetables are considered root vegetables when the part that we eat grows under ground.  For a vegetable to qualify as a root vegetable, the vegetable must grow underground, and the edible part must act as a root; that is, it must provide the plant with nutrients and moisture that it cannot get in any other way. Turnips, onions, potatoes, carrots, parsnips and rutabagas are all examples of root vegetables that get both their nourishment and moisture from the part that we eat.

Root vegetables need well loosened soil to grow in because that is the only way that they will have sufficient room to spread. The soil must be able to drain properly because overly soggy soil will cause the root part of the root vegetable to rot. They are typically planted in early spring as soon as the danger of frost has passed and when the ground is sufficiently warm. They are harvested in late summer or fall.

Here are some vegetables that are considered root vegetables, along with some basic information about each vegetable.

RADISHES

Radishes are an early spring crop. They are probably one of the first things that can be planted. As soon as the the temperatures are warm enough and the ground is no longer frozen, anyone can plant radish seeds. Because the edible part grows under the ground, they can tolerate colder night time low temperatures than most other vegetables.

Radishes are great to eat raw. They are wonderful additions to salads, are tasty for snacking, and are nice to add to sandwiches because they maintain their crispiness. The flavor can be quite intense.

CARROTS

Carrots are considered a root vegetable because the plant gets all of its nourishment from the edible part of the carrot, and the carrot grows underground. Carrots take longer to mature and they are planted later. Because carrots take considerably longer to grow, in areas where the growing season is very short, planting the seeds ahead of time is probably a wise idea.

Carrots are delicious when steamed, when added to stews, when juiced, or when made into a carrot and raisin salad. They are also great to add to salads, nice to snack on, and are delicious when dipped into peanut butter.Carrots are also delicious when juiced. Carrots are supposed to be more nutritious when they are cooked than when they are raw.

PARSNIPS

Parsnips are very much like carrots. They grow in the same manner and they take quite a while to mature. Parsnips should be harvested before they get too large because they will taste sweeter.

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