Don’t Judge a Veggie By Its Root
With thick skin, strange colors and long, sprouty stems, very few would argue that root vegetables are the Brad Pitt of produce. While not always aesthetically pleasing, root vegetables are tasty and nutrient-dense. We’ve outlined below our top five reasons to stock your pantry with in-season root vegetables this fall.
- Versatile: Most root vegetables can be enjoyed raw, steamed, roasted or grilled and maintain their flavor.
- Nutrient-dense: Root vegetables absorb nutrients from the soil in which they grow. In addition to being high in antioxidants, root vegetables like parsnips and rutabaga are also high in essential vitamins, iron and potassium. This also means they can absorb chemicals, however, so choosing organic is important.
- Immunity boosting: Root vegetables, like turnips, contain beta-carotene, which supports a healthy immune system. Cold and flu season has met its match!
- Available locally: Root veggies are in season, which means there will be a large variety of local options. Eating locally means better quality products and more nutrients for you, without harsh environmental impact.
- Energizing: Beets contain high levels of nitrate, which helps you to absorb oxygen better. Drink a cup of beet juice before a workout to maximize your stamina.