
Vegetable Family Names 🥕
Vegetable Common Names & Vegetable Family Names 🥕🥔
Swedish botanist Charles Linnaeus devised a system to classify vegetable family names in the 1770s. He used Latin names to describe groups of vegetables with similar traits. Two of the most important vegetable classifications are genus and family. You can sort and filter any vegetable in our table. ADDucation’s list of vegetable family names includes fruits which many people believe to be vegetables. For example avocados, eggplants/aubergines, tomatoes, all peppers, gourds and zucchini.
- Vegetable family list compiled by Joe Connor and last updated on
Important: ADDucation’s list of vegetables is published for information only. ADDucation Tips: Click column headings with arrows to sort vegetable family names. Reload page for original sort order. Resize your browser to full screen and/or zoom out to display as many columns as possible. Click the ➕ icon to reveal any hidden columns. Start typing in the Filter table box to find anything inside the table of vegetable family names.
A-Z List of Vegetable Common Names | Vegetable Scientific Name / Botanical Name / Species | Genus | Family | Common Vegetable Family Names | Fruit or Vegetable? Nutrition, Culinary uses & Key facts |
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Alfalfa / Lucerne | Medicago sativa. | Medicago. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Pea family. | 1 cup of Alfafa sprouts contains just 8 calories with 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of fiber. |
Amaranth | Amaranthus | Amaranthus. | Amaranthaceae. | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family. | Originally grown in South American by the Aztecs over 5000 years ago. Protein rich plant. |
Artichoke | Cynara scolymus. | Cynara. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Artichoke leaves can be used to make tea. |
Arugula | Eruca sativa. | Eruca. | Brassicaceae. | Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family. | Arugula is a leafy green vegetable leaves, popular in salads. Has a peppery flavor. Also see Rocket. |
Asparagus | Asparagus officinalis. | Asparagus. | Asparagaceae. | Asparagus family. |
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Aubergine (UK) Eggplant (US/AUS/NZ) Brinjal (S Asia, S. Africa) |
Solanum melongena. | Solanum | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Avocado / Palta / Alligator pear | Persea americana. | Persea.. | Lauraceae. | Laurel family. |
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Bamboo shoots / Bamboo sprouts / Moso bamboo | Phyllostachys edulis. | Phyllostachys. | Poaceae. | Grass family vegetables. | Bamboo shoots must be boiled or cooked to remove natural toxins. |
Bean / Wild bean | Phaseolus | Fabaceae. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Bean family. | Beans and bean products (tofu, tempeh etc.) yield between 6-11% protein, the most concentrated plant-based protein in the world. See also Green bean. |
Beet / Beetroot | Beta vulgaris. | Beta. | Amaranthaceae. | Amaranth vegetable family names: Beetroot family. | Beetroot can help cure a hangover. Its red color from the Betacyanin pigment speeds up liver detoxification. |
Bell pepper / Sweet pepper / Capsicum | Capsicum annuum. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Bok choy / Bok choi | Brassica rapa subspecies chinensis. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Mild flavor. Fast growing with white stalks and dark green leaves. Can be eaten raw or cooked. See also Pak Choi |
Broccoli | Brassica oleracea variety italica. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Broccoli is packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals, more vitamin C than an orange with protein and fiber. |
Brussels sprout | Brassica oleracea variety gemmifera. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Brussels sprouts are a winter crop with edible buds that look like mini cabbages. Sprouts are a low GI food and rich in protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Tastes great halved and mixed with chestnuts and bacon. |
Buckwheat | Fagopyrum esculentum. | Fagopyrum. | Polygonaceae. | Buckwheat family. | Buckwheat is a pseudo-cereal eaten as cereal grain that does not grow in grasses. Gluten-free despite the name. Nutty flavor. Rice substitute. |
Burdock / Greater Burdock / Niúbàng (牛蒡) |
Arctium lappa. | Arctium. | Asteraceae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Burdock is an edible root vegetable up to 1 metre (3 feet) long and 2cm diameter (3/4″) popular across Asia but out of favor elsewhere. Considered a weed in Australia, North America and some other parts of the world. The tiny hooks of Burdock seed pods were the inspiration for the invention of Velcro. |
Buttercup Squash | Cucurbita maxima. | Cucurbita. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | High in carbs and antioxidants. Good source of potassium and fiber. See also Squash. |
Cabbage | Brassica oleracea variety capitata. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Cabbagess can be eaten raw or cooked. Cabbage is low in fat and cholesterol, high in fiber, vitamins, potassium, iron and magnesium. |
Cacao/Cocoa | heobroma cacao. | Theobroma. | Malvaceae. | Mallow family. | Cacao is the bean. Cocoa is the product made from the bean. Addictive alkaloids, delicious flavor, stimulant, purest form of chocolate. Three main varieties of cocoa are Forastero, Criollo and Trinatorio. |
Canola oil | Brassica napus. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Canola oil is a food grade Rapeseed oil with less than 2% by weight erucic acid (US) or 5% by weight (EU). See also Rapeseed oil. |
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Cucumis melo variety cantalupensis. | Cucumis. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Cantaloupe melons are rich in vitamin A and packed with antioxidants including lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene which can defend against cancers. See also Melon and Honeydew melon. |
Caraway seeds / Meridian fennel / Persian cumin | Carum carvi. | Carum. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Caraway seeds are a popular spice with a sweet peppery aroma, essential oils, rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. |
Carob / Locust bean / St. John’s bread | Ceratonia siliqua. | Ceratonia. | Leguminosae / Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Bean family. | The fruit of the Carob tree is an edible pod rich in sucrose and proteins, A and B vitamins and minerals. Carob flour can be used as a Cocoa substitute. |
Carrot 🥕 | Daucus carota subspecies sativus. | Daucus. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Carrots are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene (which makes carrots orange). 40% beta-carotene is released when cooked compared to just 3% when eating raw carrots. |
Cauliflower | Brassica oleracea variety botrytis. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Cauliflower contains sulforaphane which attacks cancer cells but only when you eat it raw. Cauliflower is also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. |
Cayenne pepper | Capsicum annuum. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Celery | Apium graveolens. | Apium. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Celery is 95% water, low in calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol and fat. Good source of vitamin K. Anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac. |
Chamomile | Matricaria chamomilla. | Matricaria. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Chamomile is a popular herbal tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and other medical properties. Chamomile is used in cosmetic and aromatherapy products. |
Chard / White beet / Silverbeet / Strawberry spinach | Beta vulgaris subspecies vulgaris. | Beta. | Amaranthaceae. | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family. | Chard is a leafy green vegetable with inedible roots. Chard is low calorie and high in vitamin A, C, K with both minerals and fiber. |
Chayote / Choko / Christophene | Sechium edule. | Sechium. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Chayote fruit, root, stem, seeds, shoots and leaves are all edible and provide vitamin C, folate and amino acids. |
Chickpea / Chick pea / Garbanzo beans |
Cicer arietinum. | Cicer. | Leguminosae / Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Pea family. | Chickpeas are edible hot or cold. Chick peas are high in protein, minerals, vitamins, soluble and dietary fiber. Chickpeas have a low glycemic index (GI). Chickpeas are a ground caffeine-free coffee substitute. |
Chicory | Cichorium intybus. | Cichorium. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Chicory has bitter leaves and is closely related to Endive. |
Chili pepper | Capsicum annuum. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Chinese cabbage / Napa cabbage |
Brassica rapa subspecies pekinensis. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, including iron. |
Chives | Allium schoenoprasum. | Allium. | Amarylidaceae. | Allium family, Cultivated garlic. | Chives, along with chervil, parsley and tarragon are the classic French “fines herbs”. |
Collard greens | Brassica oleracea variety acephala. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Collard greens are a cultivar of the Acephala Group which includes Spring greens and Kale. |
Coriander (UK) / Cilantro (US)/ Chinese parsley | Coriandrum sativum. | Coriandrum. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Coriander, also known as Cilantro, is both a spice (seeds) and a herb (leaves). |
Corn / Sweet corn | Zea mays. | Zea. | Poaceae. | Grass family. |
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Cucumber 🥒 | Cucumis sativus. | Cucumis. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | There are slicing, pickling and seedless varieties of cucumber. |
Cucurbita / Field pumpkin |
Cucurbita | Cucurbita. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | See also Squash. |
Cumin | Cuminum cyminum. | Cuminum. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Second most popular spice (black pepper is the most popular). |
Daikon radish | Raphanus sativus variety Longipinnatus. | Raphanus. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family. | Fast growing long white root. |
Dandelion | Taraxacum | Taraxacum. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Part of the daisy family. |
Dill | Anethum graveolens. | Anethum. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Dill is the only species in the Anethum genus. Should not be planted alongside carrots or tomatoes. |
Eggplant (US/AUS/NZ) Aubergine (UK) 🍆 Brinjal (S Asia, S. Africa) |
Solanum melongena. | Solanum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. | An eggplant is the edible fruit (a berry) from an Eggplant. Eggplants are low calorie and fat rich in soluble fiber. Eggplants are called Brinjal in South Africa and South Asia. Eggplants are identical to Aubergines.
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Endive | Cichorium endivia. | Cichorium. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Endives have bitter leaves and are closely related to Chicory. |
Fennel | Foeniculum vulgare. | Foeniculum. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Fennel bulbs have white flesh. Minty dried fennel seeds used as a spice. Part of carrot family. Should not be planted alongside other vegetables. |
Garden sorrel / Spinach Dock |
Rumex acetosa. | Rumex. | Polygonaceae. | Buckwheat family. | Garden sorrel is often just called Sorrel. |
Garlic | Allium sativum. | Allium. | Amarylidaceae. | Allium family, Cultivated garlic. | Allium is the Latin word for garlic. Garlic contains phytonutrients with proven health benefits. |
Goji berry / Wolfberry |
Lycium barbarum. | Lycium. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Goldenberry / Cape gooseberry |
Physalis peruviana. | Physalis. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. | Physalis is one of the vegetable family names that has many other common names. See also Peruvian groundcherry. |
Green beans / Common bean |
Phaseolus vulgaris. | Phaseolus. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Bean family. | Beans are high in fiber and protein, low in fat. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants. See also bean. |
Guajillo chili pepper |
Capsicum annuum ‘Guajillo’. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Habanero chili pepper |
Capsicum chinense Habanero Group. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Honeydew melon / Honeymelon |
Cucumis melo Linnaeus (Inodorus Group) ‘Honey Dew’. | Cucumis. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Sweet pale flesh. See also Melon and Cantaloupe. |
Horseradish | Armoracia rusticana. | Armoracia. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family. | Horseradish has a sharp flavor and it’s a strong smelling root vegetable. Related to Wasabi. |
Frigitello / Sweet Italian pepper / Golden Greek pepper / Tuscan pepper |
Capsicum annuum ‘Friggitello’. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Jalapeño chili pepper | Capsicum annuum ‘Jalapeño’. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshade family. |
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Jerusalem artichoke / Sunroot / Earth apple / Topinambour |
Helianthus tuberosus. | Helianthus. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Helianthus from the Greek god Helios, meaning sun. |
Jicama / Mexican yam bean / Mexican turnip / Yacon |
Pachyrhizus erosus. | Pachyrhizus. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Bean family. | Low calorie fruity tasting root vegetable. Good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. |
Kale / Borecole |
Brassica oleracea variety sabellica. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae).. | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Leaf cabbage (doesn’t form a head) with green or purple leaves. Cultivar of the Acephala Group which includes spring greens and Collard greens. |
Kohlrabi | Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Can be eaten raw or cooked. |
Lamb’s-Quarters / Melde / Goosefoot / Fat-Hen |
Chenopodium album.
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Chenopodium. | Amaranthaceae. | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family. | Considered a weed in some parts of the world. |
Leek |
Allium ampeloprasum ‘Leek Group’. | Allium. | Amarylidaceae. | Allium family, Cultivated garlic. | “Leek” evolved from the Old English word “leac”. |
Lentil / Egyptian lentil / Red lentil / Le Puy lentils |
Lens culinaris. | Fabaceae. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Lentil family. | Cholesterol and gluten free, low fat edible pulse. 2 main groups; large lentils called macrospermae and small lentils called microspermae. |
Lettuce / Butterhead / Chinese lettuce |
Lactuca sativa. | Lactuca. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Low calorie green leaves (15 calories per 100g) good source of antioxidants (esp. zeaxanthin), vitamins C & K and minerals. |
Lima Beans / Butter beans (UK) / Sieva beans |
Phaseolus lunatus. | Phaseolus. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Bean family. | Good source of soluble fiber (helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels) and insoluble fiber, which helps prevent IBS and constipation. |
Luffa | Luffa aegyptiaca. | Luffa. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Excellent source of vitamin A and carbohydrates. |
Maca / Maka |
Lepidium meyenii. | Lepidium. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family. | Rich malty flavor. Protein containing all the essential amino acids your body needs along with vitamins and minerals. |
Maize | Zea mays. | Zea. | Poaceae. | Grass family vegetables. |
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Melon / Water Melon |
Cucumis melo variety cantalupensis. | Cucumis. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | See also Cantaloupe. |
Mustard greens | Brassica juncea. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Pungent smell and peppery flavor. |
Napa cabbage / Chinese cabbage / Pe-Tsai / Won Bok |
Brassica rapa subspecies pekinensis. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Low in calories, packed with anti-oxidants, fiber, vitamins etc. Can be eaten raw or steamed. |
Okra / Okro / Ochro / Ladies’ fingers |
Abelmoschus esculentus. | Abelmoschus. | Malvaceae. | Mallow family. |
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Onion | Allium cepa. | Allium. | Amarylidaceae. | Allium family, Cultivated garlic. | Originated in Middle-Asia. |
Pak choi / Pak choy |
Brassica rapa subspecies chinensis. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Fast growing with white stalks and dark green leaves. Mild flavor. Can be eaten cooked or raw. See also Bok Choy. |
Parsley | Petroselinum crispum. | Petroselinum. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Curly parsley has less flavor and is often used as garnish. |
Parsnip | Pastinaca sativa. | Pastinaca. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. | Root vegetable, closely related to carrot and parsley. |
Pasilla chili pepper / Chile negro | Capsicum annuum. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Pea / Field pea / Snap pea / Snow pea / Split pea |
Pisum sativum. | Vicia. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Pea family. | Edible seeds of legume crop. |
Peanut / Groundnut / Earthnuts |
Arachis hypogaea. | Arachis. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Pea family. | Rich in energy (100g = 567 calories) and antioxidants (including p-coumaric acid and resveratrol), nutrients, vitamins and minerals. |
Peruvian groundcherry / Physalis |
Physalis peruviana. | Physalis. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. | Physalis is one of the vegetable family names that has many other common names. See also Goldenberry. |
Pepino melon |
Solanum muricatum. | Solanum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. | edible skin but also easy to peel. |
Pimiento / Pimiento / Cherry chili pepper | Capsicum annuum. | Capsicum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Potato 🥔 | Solanum tuberosum. | Solanum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. | Potatoes contain lots of starch (carbs) so they are used like rice, pasta and bread. |
Pumpkin |
Cucurbita | Cucurbita. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Scientifically pumpkins are fruit because they contain seeds. Also see Squash. |
Quinoa | Chenopodium quinoa. | Chenopodium. | Amaranthaceae. | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family. | Mainly grown as grain crop for its edible white, red and black seeds. |
Radish | Raphanus raphanistrum subspecies sativus. | Raphanus. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family. | edible root vegetable popular in salads. |
Rapeseed (oil) | Brassica napus. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Rapeseed is grown commercially to produce Rapeseed oil. Rapeseed meal is a byproduct of oil production and used as a high protein animal food. Biodiesel is also produced from Rapeseed. Rapeseed is grown as a cover crop to reduce soil erosion. See also Canola oil. |
Rapini / Broccoli Rabe |
Brassica ruvo. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Rapini resembles Broccoli but does not form a large head. Rapini is hypoallergenic and a good source of vitamin C, A, K. |
Rhubarb | Rheum rhabarbarum. | Rheum. | Polygonaceae. | Buckwheat family. |
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Rocket (UK)/ Rucoli / Rugala / Arugula (US) |
Eruca sativa. | Eruca. | Brassicaceae. | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Leafy green vegetable leaves, popular in salads, with a peppery flavor. Known as rocket because it grows fast! See also Arugula. |
Romaine / Cos lettuce |
Lactuca sativa variety longifolia. | Lactuca. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Romaine lettuce has a tall head with sturdy leaves. |
Rutabaga / Swede / Yellow turnip / Neep |
Brassica napobrassica. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Rutabaga is a root vegetable, a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. Rutabaga leaves are edible. |
Safflower | Carthamus tinctorius. | Carthamus. | Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Safflower is Thistle-like and commercially grown for oil from seeds. |
Salsify | Tragopogon porrifolius. | Tragopogon. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Salsify is a light skinned edible root with herbal uses. |
Shallot | Allium cepa variety aggregatum. | Allium. | Amarylidaceae. | Allium family, Cultivated garlic. | Shallots are a type of onion rather than a separate species. |
Soybean / Soya bean |
Glycine max. | Glycine. | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US). |
Legumes, Bean family. | Soybeans can be used as a coffee substitute. Soya beans are high in protein with edible beansprouts. |
Spinach / Persian green |
Spinacia oleracea. | Spinacia. | Amaranthaceae. | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family. | Spinach has edible tender crispy dark green leaves. Spinach has just 23 calories per 100g and is rich in iron, vitamin A, C & K, antioxidants and minerals. |
Squash | Cucurbita | Cucurbita. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. |
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Sugar beet | Beta vulgaris subspecies vulgaris convariety vulgaris variety altissima. | Beta. | Amaranthaceae. | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family. | Sugar beet is grown commercially for the high concentration of sucrose in its root. |
Sunflower | Helianthus | Helianthus. | Asteraceae / Compositae. | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family. | Sunflowers are grown commercially to produce sunflower oil. Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack. Sunflower petals can be added to salads. Sunflower flowering buds can steamed like artichokes. Helianthus comes from Helios, the personification of the Sun, in Greek mythology. |
Sweet potato | Ipomoea batatas. | Ipomoea. | Convolvulaceae. | Morning glory family. | Sweet potato is a sweet tasting root vegetable with edible young leaves and shoots. |
Tamarillo / Tree tomato | Solanum betaceum. | Solanum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Tomatillo / Mexican husk tomato |
Physalis philadelphica. | Physalis. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Tomato 🍅 | Solanum lycopersicum. | Solanum. | Solanaceae. | Nightshades family, potato family. |
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Turnip | Brassica rapa subspecies rapa. | Brassica. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family. | Turnips are a low calorie root vegetable rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. |
Virginia pepperweed / Pepperwort |
Lepidium virginicum. | Lepidium. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer family, Mustard family. | Young pepperweed leaves are edible raw and can be used as an herb. Young seeds substitute for black pepper. |
Wasabi / Japanese horseradish |
Eutrema japonicum. | Wasabia. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family. | Wasabi is related to Horseradish and Mustard. |
Watercress | Nasturtium officinale. | Rorippa. | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). | Crucifer family, Mustard family. | Watercress Peppery green leaves richer in Vitamin C than Orange. Anti-cancer and immune system boosting properties. |
Watermelon | Citrullus lanatus. | Citrullus. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Watermelon was originally from Africa. Watermelon is the state vegetable of Oklahoma. |
Wax gourd / Winter melon / Pai Gua | Benincasa hispida. | Benincasa. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Wax gourds are widely grown across Asia. They are sweet and juicy with white flesh and a good source of vitamin B1, B3, vitamin C and minerals. Wax gourds are 96% water which makes them ideal in low fat diets. |
Wheatgrass / Wild triga |
Thinopyrum intermedium. | Agropyron. | Poaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. | Wheatgrass sprouting leaves are gluten-free because wheat seed has not formed. Popular as juice. |
Wild Carrot / Bird’s nest / Bishop’s lace | Daucus carota. | Daucus. | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family. |
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Zucchini / Courgette / Marrow |
Cucurbita pepo variety cylindrica. | Cucurbita. | Cucurbitaceae. | Cucurbits family, Gourd family. |
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See also: Fruit Family List… | Edible Nuts and Seeds…
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- Help us improve ADDucation’s vegetable family names list by adding your comments below…
Hi Katie, enter “Capsicum” into the vegetable family names filter box and to see all the common names for vegetables in the list.
It’s a very good vegetable list – especially with the scientific name along with the genus and family name, It would be even better if photos were added to make it further identification easier.
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Thanks for your kind remark and comment. Photos would look good and could be useful. If enough people ask for them we’ll consider adding them. ADDucation’s primary focus is creating clear sortable lists which load fast, photos would slow this down – it would be a trade off.
Rodney, All beans are part of the Fabaceae family or legume family. Definitely not gourds 🙂
I noticed you are still using Leguminosae as a family name. This is now outdated!! The legume family is now officially Fabaceae – it would be useful if you updated your table to reflect this. Thanks so much.
Thanks for your comments Samantha, it looks like it’s UK/US/rest of world thing – I’ve added both for now.
I want a full complete list of all gourd vegetables and fruits.
As we are Buddhists and cannot eat them and if you know if certain drinks and juices and if any beans are a part of this family
Hi, so I have an acute allergy to capsaicin and am trying to research all of the foods and medications that contain it. It is a big problem for me not knowing what all they are, especially as food ingredients. I can’t find a list of the common names anywhere, I can find the latin names for each but that doesn’t help me as not many people know latin. Can you perhaps aid me in my search?