ByAcademy of Culinary NutritionLast updated onReading Time: 8 minutes
Root vegetables are a family of strong, hardy plants that grow in the ground. They’re typically sweet and starchy, which makes them a very delicious ingredient in all types of recipes – especially those cozy comfort foods we all know and love (we’re looking at you, baked sweet potato fries). Fortunately, root vegetables are also very nutritious because they contain phytochemicals that protect them from the challenging environment underneath the earth. When we consume these roots, we also receive this protection: it’s like eating your own defense shield! In this guide to root vegetables, you’ll learn the full scoop about this fantastic veggie family and loads of inspiration for how you can use them in your diet.
Culinary Nutrition Benefits of Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are rich in:
Fibre: Important for balancing blood sugar levels, improving digestion and reducing constipation, lowering cholesterol and boosting satiety.
Antioxidants: Dampen the production of free radicals and protect our bodies from damage.
Complex Carbohydrates: Some complain about root vegetables being too sweet and starchy. Yes, some of them are sweet – but the effects of that sweetness is mitigated by their high amount of fibre, as well as their content of vitamins and minerals. You can also offset any potential rise in blood sugar by pairing them with nutritious fats and good quality protein sources.
Root vegetables can be enjoyed in a variety of ways! They are wonderful roasted, baked, grilled, steamed or mashed, and can be incorporated in a variety of recipes including:
Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls – fresh carrots, beets and sweet potato add natural sweetness to smoothie recipes
Instant Pot recipes – some root vegetables take a long time to cook, and the Instant Pot can greatly quicken the cooking process
Can I Eat Root Vegetables Raw?
Most veggies in this guide to root vegetables can be eaten raw, with the exception of white potato (we really don’t recommend that). When eating raw root vegetables, it’s helpful to grate them, cut them into fine matchsticks, or slice thinly to make them easier to chew and digest. You can also juice them.
If digestion is an issue, cooking them will make your stomach much happier.
The flavour of root vegetables will change depending on how you cook it; when kept raw, they will have a hint of bitterness but should be quite sweet when roasted, steamed or boiled.
How To Store Root Vegetables
Not everything needs to be stored in the fridge! Root veggies are best stored in a cool, dark place – but that doesn’t always have to mean the refrigerator. Use a wire or wooden basket to store your root veggies to encourage air circulation, and check them regularly to ensure there is no mold or sogginess.
The root veggies best stored in the fridge include carrots, turnips, radishes and beets. If you live in a warmer climate, however, you might want to store all your root veggies in the fridge.
If your root veggies come with greens, don’t toss them! Chop the greens up and add them to soups, stews, stir-fries, omelettes, pestos – basically, use ’em like any other dark leafy greens.
Key Health Benefits: Carrots contain antioxidant nutrients called carotenoids that help support vision, liver health and immunity, and they have anti-cancer properties.
Flavour Profile: Similar to carrots (they’re often called the blonde carrot), but a little earthier.
Key Health Benefits: In addition to its wealth of fibre and Vitamin C, parsnips contain potassium, an electrolyte mineral that keeps us hydrated and supports cardiovascular health.
Recipe to Try:Parsnip Cumin Soup by Jessica Mitton (*Culinary Nutrition Expert)
Flavour Profile: Very sweet, candy-like when mashed or roasted.
Key Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are considered a staple crop in many places because they contain so many nutrients, including carotenoids that support eye health, Vitamin C for immunity, anti-inflammatory compounds, and a wealth of antioxidants like anthocyanins. They are low glycemic, aid digestion and some research on animals show that they can even trigger digestive enzymes.
Flavour Profile: Cabbage-like, slightly sweet, can be slightly bitter depending on the variety.
Key Health Benefits: Turnips are also a member of the cruciferous family, so they contain compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, and help protect the liver and kidneys.
Key Health Benefits: Potatoes have been forsaken in the health world due to their higher glycemic index and because they are usually eaten as junk food (potato chips, French fries, etc.). Emerging research lauds potatoes for their vitamin and mineral content (especially B vitamins) and a specific carbohydrate called resistant starch, which can aid digestion by feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut and help with sleep. Potatoes that have been boiled and cooled are higher in resistant starch.
Flavour Profile: Can be very pungent, bitter or spicy depending on the type of onions and garlic used – some onions like shallot or green onion are milder.
Reading Time: 8 minutes 
