Top Trending Veggies: Greens Made Popular by Foodies
We all strive to live our best lives, striving to reduce plastic usage, recycle, and maintain a healthy diet. Green veggies consistently find their place on our dinner plates because of their abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to a recent study in the British Medical Journal, consuming a daily serving of green veggies can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 14%. In light of these findings, we have compiled a list of the top 5 nutritious and healthy green veggies. Additionally, it’s important to note that…
5. Kale
Kale, the trendy superfood, has faced a backlash and become the subject of many jokes. However, its nutrient content and versatility cannot be beaten. Incorporate baby kale leaves in salads, stir-fry mature leaves, add it to soups and stews, or tuck a leaf into a sandwich. While the spine running through the leaves can be tough, it can still be used in slow-cooked stews or added to a compost pile.
This leafy green is packed with lutein, an antioxidant that protects eyesight, as well as an abundance of vitamin C. Being a member of the Brassica family, along with broccoli and brussels sprouts, kale boasts sulforaphane, a nutrient known for its cancer-fighting properties. Furthermore, kale is incredibly high in iron, surpassing beef when compared per calorie. Additionally, per calorie, kale contains more calcium than milk. With just one cup of kale equating to a mere 36 calories and 0 grams of fat, kale is an excellent addition to any meal.
4. Dandelion Greens
The dandelion trend is a true blessing for those who despise yard work. Additionally, when confronted with complaints from neighbors about your disheveled yard, you can confidently respond, “This is actually a reserve for nutritious greens. Don’t you know anything about fine cuisine?”
Moreover, dandelions possess remarkable healing properties, aiding in the purification of blood, digestion, and prevention of piles and gallstones. Acting as a mild laxative, they effectively relieve bloating and constipation. Furthermore, they provide the body with 112% of the daily requirement of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, mucus membranes, and vision.
Interestingly, despite their exceptional nutritional value, dandelions have not gained the popularity they rightfully deserve. Surprisingly, the USDA ranks them as the fourth most nutritious green vegetable. Perhaps the aversion to consuming a leaf that grows in areas where dogs frequently relieve themselves prevents wider adoption. For those willing to try, the Dallas Frugal Foodie blog recommends boiling dandelions for a minute to reduce their slight bitterness. For some other ways you can eat dandelion greens, have a look at this.
3. Mache
Pronounced “mosh,” this cool-weather crop is also known as corn salad and lamb’s lettuce. Not only does it have a nutty flavor that pairs well with spinach and other greens in mixed salads, but it also originates from Europe. In Europe, it is sold in bunches like watercress and has been cultivated since the 17th century. In the U.S., however, mache cultivation began more recently in California.
Harvesting mache can be a challenge due to its leaves growing close to the ground, resulting in increased costs. Nevertheless, this sweet and gentle-tasting baby lettuce is gaining popularity. Todd Koons, CEO of Epic Roots and a key advocate for high-quality bag salad mixes, has played a significant role in promoting mache.
Aside from its great taste, mache is packed with nutrients. It surpasses lemon juice in vitamin C content ounce for ounce. In addition to helping protect our eyesight, it contains vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes. Moreover, mache is a good source of potassium and copper, both of which are known for their heart health-protecting properties.
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2. Mizuna
Renowned chef Frank Bonnano named his Denver fine dining restaurant Mizuna. This tang, saw-toothed Japanese mustard green not only plays well with others but also makes for delicious mixed salads. Moreover, it is described as having a rich peppery flavor, making it an excellent topping for pasta dishes, soups, stews, and pizzas. With its shape and peppery flavor, Mizuna brings arugula to mind. In Japan, Mizuna comes in at least 16 varieties. However, in the U.S., it is still mostly confined to farmers markets and Asian groceries.
Not only is this dark green leaf high in immune-boosting vitamin C and iron, but a one-cup serving also delivers 80% of your daily requirement of folate. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that are linked to decreased cancer risk, as stated by the author of “The F-Factor Diet”. Lastly, Mizuna provides plenty of calcium to help strengthen bones. Adding this versatile and nutritious green to your diet is definitely worthwhile.
1. Mesclun Mix
Since Chez Panisse chef Alice Waters first introduced mesclun mix seeds from France in 1971, specialty lettuces have gained popularity nationwide. Initially, Waters cultivated mesclun in her own yard, but soon growers recognized its commercial value. This tender blend of young leaves, originating in Southern France, typically includes wild-harvested varieties.
Now readily available in grocery stores, mesclun has become domesticated after being pre-washed and packed. Its Italian counterpart, “misticanza,” incorporates delicious chicory leaves. For dressing mesclun, Food and Wine Magazine suggests a simple blend of oil, balsamic vinegar, basil leaves, shallots, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Incorporating mesclun into your diet provides ample amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. Additionally, a single serving of mesclun vegetables contains only 2 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of protein. To sum up, mesclun offers both health benefits and culinary pleasure.
So there you have it, here are 5 delicious, healthy, green veggies that will not only help you mix up your eating routine but also provide an array of essential nutrients. It can get quite monotonous having the same salad every day for lunch, but fear not! By incorporating these vibrant veggies into your meals, you’ll be able to savor a diverse range of flavors while reaping the various benefits they offer such as a rich vitamin content and other valuable nutrients. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your body will too!