Types Of Vegetables

Here's an overview of the types of vegetables according to their family relationships. Related vegetables may seem dissimilar due to use of different parts of the plant, such as its stalk, leaves, or fruit.

Closely related vegetables typically have similarities in taste and nutrition, although some will be unique within their family. What is a food family?

The following types of vegetables can have unique properties, but each of these healthy vegetables gives you the excellent health benefits of vegetables.

For other types of foods, see the list of fruits, list of grains, list of nuts and seeds, and list of meats and poultry.

Allium Vegetables

Vegetables in the onion family are anti-allergy, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral!
(genus: Allium)

Chives
Garlic
Leeks
Onion
Shallot

Asparagus

Asparagus is diuretic, detoxifying, and contains antioxidants.
(genus: Asparagus)

Asparagus

Brassica Vegetables and Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, especially the Brassica vegetables, are the cancer-fighting vegetables. (More information.)

Brassica vegetables
(genus: Brassica)

Bok choy
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage)
Collard greens
Kohlrabi
Mustard greens
Rapeseed oil (canola)
Rapini
Rutabaga
Turnip

Other cruciferous vegetables
(family: Cruciferae or Brassicaceae)

Arugula (rocket)
Daikon radish
Horseradish
Maca
Radish
Virginia pepperweed
Wasabi
Watercress

Buckwheat Family

Buckwheat is the basis for soba noodles and for kasha (roasted buckwheat groats). It is unreleated to wheat. Its surprising relative, rhubarb, has toxic leaves but its stalks are used for pies and jam.
(family: Polygonaceae)

Buckwheat
Garden sorrel
Rhubarb

Composite Vegetables

Many of our salad greens are in the Composite family.
(family: Compositae)

Artichoke
Chamomile
Chicory
Dandelion
Endive
Jerusalem artichoke
Lettuce
Romaine
Safflower
Salsify
Sunflower

Goosefoot / Amaranth Vegetables

The Goosefoot family includes detoxifying roots (beets), seeds used as alternative grains (amaranth and quinoa) and highly nutritious greens.
(family: Amaranthaceae / Chenopodiacae)

Amaranth
Beet
Chard
Lamb's-quarters
Quinoa
Spinach
Sugar beet

Gourd Family

In this nutritious family, the colorful squash and melons contain important carotenoids.
(family: Cucurbitaceae)

Cantaloupe
Cucumber
Melons
Pumpkin
Squash
Watermelon
Zucchini

Grass Family Vegetables

Grains such as wheat, rice, and corn are in the Grass family, and so are several vegetable forms of these plants. For more information see the list of grains.
(family: Poaceae)

Bamboo shoots
Sweet corn
Wheatgrass juice

Legumes

Beans and the legume family are high in protein and fiber.
(family: Leguminosae)

Alfalfa
Beans
Carob
Chickpea
Green beans
Jicama
Lentil
Pea
Peanut
Soy

Mallow Vegetables

Okra is a unique and healthy vegetable used in Southern cooking.
(family: Malvaceae)

Cacao
Cotton
Okra

Morning Glory Vegetables

The sweet potato is a complex carbohydrate, and its orange flesh contains carotenoids and fiber.
(family: Convolvulaceae)

Sweet potato

Nightshade Vegetables

The good: colorful nightshade vegetables contain vitamin C and important antioxidants such as lycopene and lutein (and are fun vegetables).

The bad: nightshade vegetables also contain drug-like chemicals called glycoalkaloids. (Nicotine, the glycoalkaloid in tobacco, is one example.) Glycoalkaloids cause joint and muscle pain in some people.

More information on nightshade vegetables

(family: Solanaceae)

Culinary Vegetables

Bell pepper (sweet pepper)
Italian pepper
Chile pepper (examples of varieties):

Anaheim
Ancho
Cascabel
Chipotle
Fresno
Guajillo
Habañero
Jalapeño
Pasada
Pasilla
Pimiento / Pimento
Poblano
Serrano

Eggplant
Potato
Tomato
Tomatillo

Spices
Cayenne
Chili powder (some ingredients of)
Curry (some ingredients of)
Paprika

Sauces
Ketchup
Tabasco

Culinary Fruit
Goldenberry (Cape gooseberry)
Goji berry
Pepino
Tamarillo

Other
Tobacco