Vegetables are an essential part of a varied diet. They provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that help us stay healthy. Ever wondered what veggies start with the H? And are they any good for boosting your immune system or losing weight?
We take a look at the most popular vegetables starting with H.
1. Hijiki
Hijiki (Sargassum fusiforme), also known as hiziki, is a leaf vegetable that has long, thin, dark green fronds with a white margin. It grows on rocks along coastlines from Japan to India.
The hizikia family is a large group of plants that are native to the tropics and subtropics, but have been cultivated in temperate regions for centuries as an edible seaweed.
The leaves of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked; they taste like spinach.
The hijiki leaves are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and iodine. The hiziki roots contain high levels of vitamin B12.
This vegetable is very easy to grow at home and it just takes around 6 months to mature.
2. Hamburg Parsley
A member of the carrot family, Hamburg parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herbaceous perennial grown for its white turnip root.
It’s a hardy plant, which will tolerate most soils and climates.
It is used as a salad ingredient and garnish, especially in Germany, where it has its name from.
In addition to being delicious, Hamburg parsley is good for your health. It contains many nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc and iodine.
3. Horseradish
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a biennial plant that belongs to the mustard family.
It is often confused with wasabi because both are related species.
Horseradishes are native to Europe and Asia. They were introduced into North America by European settlers.
Horseradish is commonly grown in gardens but grows well in pots and containers too.
Horseradishes are popular in salads and sauces, and they are also used in pickles, relishes and condiments.
Horseradish is one of the best sources of Vitamin C.
4. Heart Of Palm
A palm tree belonging to the Arecaceae family, heart of palm (Hyophorbe amaricaulis) is the growing bud and core of certain palm trees, such as peach palm, coconut or açaí palm trees.
The heart of palm is not just delicious but its nutritional value is similar to that of bananas. Rich in fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, the heart of palm is a common ingredient in tropical dishes and desserts.
Hearts of palm is a relatively expensive vegetable. This is due to the fact that an entire palm tree has to be sacrificed for the core to be harvested.
5. Hot Chili Pepper
Next up on the list of vegetables starting with H is the well known hot chili pepper.
Chili peppers belong to the Capsicum genus within the nightshade family. There are many varieties of chili pepper, including bell peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, serranos, poblanos, etc.
They are available fresh, dried, canned or frozen.
Chilies are extremely hot and spicy. They are usually added to soups, stews, casseroles, dips and other foods.
Chilies are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These help protect against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
6. Hass Avocados
This vegetable commencing with the letter H may not be obvious immediately but it’s a variety of one of the most popular vegetables around the world.
Hass avocado (Persea americana) is a cultivar of avocado. It’s a fruit that belongs to the citrus family.
The Hass avocado was first grown in California. A state which produces 90% of America’s avocado harvest.
Even today, a large percentage of Hass avocados can be traced back to the original Hass mother tree which was planted in California in the 1920s.
The Hass variety of avocados is the most widely cultivated type, and it can be grown all year round.
Avocados are considered a superfood because of their healthy fats and nutrients. They have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and prevent diabetes, as well as improve digestion and boost immunity.
7. Haricot Beans
Haricot verts are green bean varieties that grow on vines. They are high in fiber, low in calories, and contain no fat.
Haricot beans are versatile vegetables. You can use them in salads, soups, pasta dishes, stir-fries, curries, and you can use them even as pizza toppings.
They’re also great when you want to make a quick vegetarian meal. Highly nutritious, haricot beans are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, folate, manganese, copper, iron, and dietary fiber.
8. Hairy Gourd
Hairy gourds are members of the cucurbit family. They include cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, winter squash, zucchini, summer squash, and watermelon.
Hairy gourd is a relative newcomer to the world of vegetables. However, this vegetable is gaining popularity among foodies.
It is known for being easy to prepare and cook. The skin of a hairy gourd is edible and quite tasty.
It is known for being very sweet and tender. The hairy gourd is often cooked like pumpkin or winter squash.
In addition, hairy gourds contain more than 20 different types of phytochemicals, which are powerful antioxidants.
9. Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes are a group of tomato plants that have been developed over time through selective breeding.
These tomatoes are much more flavorful than modern hybrids.
Heirloom tomatoes come in a wide range of colors and shapes. Some of these include yellow cherry, beefsteak, orange pear, golden zucchini, grapefruit, Roma, and plum.
Tomatoes are very easy to grow. All you need is a sunny spot, good soil, water, fertilizer, and some space.
Tomatoes are one of the best sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off prostate cancer and heart disease.
10. Horse Gram
Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum)is a legume that belongs to the pea family. It’s a small round seed pod that grows up to 6 inches long.
Horse gram is used in Indian cuisine to add flavor to rice dishes, and it’s a common ingredient in curry powders.
It’s also eaten as a snack food by people living in India.
11. Haricots (French Beans)
Haricots (also called French beans) is a type of dried green beans with thin skins. They get their name from their hairy coats.
What makes this green bean variety stand out is its smaller size, and it’s rich in fiber, as well as vitamins C, K, and A, folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Haricot beans can be eaten as part of a side dish or you can make a delicious salad, soup, or casserole with these healthy beans.
Alternatively, you can eat haricot beans raw, boiled, steamed, sauteed, baked, or roasted.
12. Habanero
A habanero chile is a member of the capsicum family. Habaneros are medium-sized vegetables that are red, orange, yellow, brown, or purple.
Native to Mexico and Central America, Habanero chiles were brought to Florida from Cuba around 1845. Today they are found throughout the world.
Habanero peppers are known for being extremely hot. The heat level ranges from mild to very hot. The hottest ones are between 2,000 and 3,000 Scoville Heat Units.
This means that a single pepper has about 1/2 teaspoon of pure capsaicin. That’s why most hot sauces contain habanero peppers.
In addition to their spicy taste, habanero peppers are loaded with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants.
Frequently Asked Questions
We gathered some frequently asked questions around vegetables starting with the letter H.
Which Of The Vegetables Starting With H Are Good For Losing Weight?
Low in fat and calories, horseradish is a perfect choice if you want to lose weight.
It contains only around 2 calories per tablespoon, and you can eat horseradish raw, cooked, juiced, or even in salad dressing.
Why Are Vegetables Beginning With H Healthy?
There is a large range of health benefits with H-vegetables. They most commonly add vitamins and minerals to your diet.
In addition, these vegetables are often low in calories, and some can even help boost your immune system.
Which Vegetable Starting With The Letter H Offers The Most Fiber Content?
Vegetables like hijiki and horse gram are particularly rich in fiber. Together with the fiber, they are also packed with important vitamins and minerals, like iron, potassium, and calcium.
Which Of The Vegetables Starting With H Has The Most Vitamin C?
The highest Vitamin C content can be found in Hamburg parsley. This turnip can provide 221% of your daily Vitamin C intake. All in just 100 grams!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a healthy vegetable that will fill your plate without adding much to your calorie count, look no further than the humble horseradish.
You’ll find this root in many different forms, including fresh, pickled, dried, canned, and frozen.
But there are plenty of other vegetables beginning with H that contain a lot of Vitamins and minerals. And when it comes to losing weight, there’s nothing better than eating something delicious.
So go ahead, get creative with your meals, and start enjoying all the great flavors that come along with healthy veggies.
