by Jami Wright

Created on: May 06, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

When you eat the part of a plant that grows underground like; potatoes, carrots, yams, sweet potatoes and rutabagas you are eating what is known as a root vegetable. Root vegetables, like other roots, are the storage area of the plant. That means the nutrients that work to keep those plants alive are inside the food you are eating. These are a unique subset of vegetables that offer so many nutrients that it is hard to understand why some of these vegetables like; rutabagas, beets, turnips, and parsnips are not present on our tables as much as other vegetables.

Root vegetables are loaded with carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients important to your diet. The flavor is rich and heart and the cost is low. Because cost is low you can buy them in bulk and use them as dinner staples. Storing these vegetables are easy. You need to make sure they are stored at lower temperatures but not in danger of freezing. If you run out of room in your pantry or fridge you can always store these in the basement or even underground in your back yard. It could be a fun family get together you and the kids digging up vegetables for dinner.

Dinner is always fun with root vegetables. There are plenty of ways to cook these awesomely nutrition vegetables; roast, braise, steam, or cook and mash the vegetables together. You can also make fries out of the vegetables by frying them on the stove top in oil. Grate the veggies and make hash browns. Add these vegetables to soups and casseroles for a more hearty flavor and filling feeling. Or just toss them into a salad. With all these wonderful options on adding these vegetables to your dinner table who would not take a chance at trying the tarty flavor of rutabagas or turnips, the sweet taste of sweet potatoes and yams, or the crunchy bite of carrots and parsnips.

Here are a few more recipes to try. But don't be afraid to try your own recipes. You might surprise yourself and create a new rich in nutrients, low in cost, hearty family favorite.

VEGETABLE POT PIES: low-fat meal that is very tasty and inexpensive.

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup of each of the following; potato, sweet potato, celery root, carrots, onion, turnips, chick peas

1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons of each of the following; fresh parsley, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper

cooking spray

1/2 sheet frozen pastry dough (thawed)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring broth to a boil and add all the vegetables

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