
Vegetable Family Names
List of Vegetable Common Names, Scientific & Botanical Names – Vegetable Family Names
Swedish botanist Charles Linnaeus devised a system for classifying vegetable family names in the 1770s using Latin names to describe groups with similar traits. Two of the most important are vegetable family and genus which are both sortable in our table. Regarding pulses or legumes – the British commonly use pulses to mean peas, beans etc. whereas Americans tend to use legumes (and would more commonly use “pulse” to describe a heartbeat). Officially a legume is any plant of the Fabaceae/Leguminosae family and a pulse is the edible seed of some leguminous plants.
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A-Z List of Vegetable Common Names | Vegetable Scientific Name / Botanical Name / Species | Genus | Family | Common Vegetable Family Names | Vegetable Info, Trivia & Fun 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 | Also see Rocket. Known as rocket because it grows fast! |
Asparagus | Asparagus officinalis | Asparagus | Asparagaceae | Asparagus family | Doesn’t keep long once harvested because it has a high respiration rate. Rich in saponins offering many health benefits. |
Aubergine | Solanum melongena | Solanum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Low in fat and calories, rich in soluble fibre. Called Aubergine in British English. See Eggplant for rest of world. |
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 annuum | Capsicum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Capsicum is one of the vegetable family names that has many varieties and common names. Bell peppers change color and get sweeter the longer they are left on the vine. All peppers are initially green and ripen to yellow, red, purple, brown, black and ivory depending on the variety. |
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 | Winter crop with edible buds that look like mini Cabbages. Low GI food rich in protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. |
Buckwheat | Fagopyrum esculentum | Fagopyrum | Polygonaceae | Buckwheat family | Pseudocereal eaten as cereal grain but do 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 | Edible root vegetable up to 1 metre (3 feet) long and 2cm diameter (3/4″) popular across Asia but out of favor in 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 | Can be eaten raw or cooked. 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 | 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 to 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 | Cayenne peppers are hotter in their ripe red color than green. 30,000-50,000 SHU on Scoville scale. |
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 | Anti-inflammatory and other medical, cosmetic and aromatherapy uses. Popular tea. |
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 | Edible hot or cold. High in protien, soluble and dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. Low glycemic index (GI). Ground caffeine-free coffee substitute. |
Chicory | Cichorium intybus | Cichorium | Asteraceae / Compositae | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family | Bitter leaves, closely related to Endive. |
Chili pepper | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Seeds are not the hottest part – where the seed attaches to the inside is the hottest part. |
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 cholestrol, high in dietery 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”. |
Cilantro / Coriander / Chinese parsley | Coriandrum sativum | Coriandrum | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family | Cilantro is both a spice (seeds) and a herb (leaves). |
Collard greens | Brassica oleracea variety acephala | Brassica | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family | Cultivar of the Acephala Group which includes Spring greens and Kale. |
Coriander / Cilantro / Chinese parsley | Coriandrum sativum | Coriandrum | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) | Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family | Coriander is both a herb (leaves) and a spice (seeds). |
Corn / Sweet corn | Zea mays | Zea | Poaceae | Grass family | See also Maize cereal grain. |
Cucumber | Cucumis sativus | Cucumis | Cucurbitaceae | Cucurbits family, Gourd family | Slicing, pickling and seedless varieties. |
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 / Brinjal | Solanum melongena | Solanum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Low calorie and fat rich in soluble fiber. Called Eggplant in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Brinjal in South Africa, South Asia. See also Aubergine. |
Endive | Cichorium endivia | Cichorium | Asteraceae / Compositae | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family | Bitter leaves, 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 | 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 | Packed with nutrients, anti-oxidants (zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein and cryptoxanthin), minerals and vitamins. Widely used in Chinese medicine. |
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 | Medium heat 2500-5000 SHU on Schoville scale. |
Habañero chili pepper / Bonnet pepper | Capsicum chinense Habanero Group | Capsicum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Very hot heat 100,000-350,000 SHU on Schoville scale. |
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 | sharp flavor and strong smelling root vegetable. Related to Wasabi. |
Italian pepper / Frigitello / Golden creek pepper | Capsicum annuum ‘Friggitello’ | Capsicum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Mild heat 0-500 SHU on the Schoville scale. |
Jalapeño chili pepper | Capsicum annuum ‘Jalapeño’ | Capsicum | Solanaceae | Nightshade family | Medium heat 2500-8000 SHU on Schoville scale. |
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 (doen’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 | 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 cholestrol 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 | See also Corn cereal grain. |
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 | Okra seeds can be used to make a caffeine-free coffee substitute. |
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. |
Paprika | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Paprika is chilli powder. |
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 | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | dark, wrinkly skin. Mild to medium heat 2500-5000 SHU on Schoville scale. |
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 | Spanish mild 100-500 SHU on the Scoville scale. |
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 | See also Canola oil. |
Rapini / Broccoli Rabe | Brassica ruvo | Brassica | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family | Resembles Brocolli but does not form large head. Hypoallergenic and great source of vitamin C, A, K. |
Rhubarb | Rheum rhabarbarum | Rheum | Polygonaceae | Buckwheat family | Vegetable often believed to be a fruit. |
Rocket / Rucoli / Rugala | Eruca sativa | Eruca | Brassicaceae | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family | Also see Arugula. Popular salad leaves. |
Romaine / Cos lettuce | Lactuca sativa variety longifolia | Lactuca | Asteraceae / Compositae | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family | 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 | Cross between cabbage and turnip. Edible leaves. |
Safflower | Carthamus tinctorius | Carthamus | Compositae | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family | Thistle-like commercially grown for oil from seeds. |
Salsify | Tragopogon porrifolius | Tragopogon | Asteraceae / Compositae | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family | Light skinned edible root and herbal use. |
Shallot | Allium cepa variety aggregatum | Allium | Amarylidaceae | Allium family, Cultivated garlic | Type of onion, not a separate species. |
Soybean / Soya bean | Glycine max | Glycine | Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US) | Legumes, Bean family | Soybeans can be used as a coffee substitute. |
Spinach / Persian green | Spinacia oleracea | Spinacia | Amaranthaceae | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family | Edible tender crispy dark green leaves. Only 23 calories per 100g, rich in iron, vitamin A, C & K, antioxidants and minerals. |
Squash | Cucurbita | Cucurbita | Cucurbitaceae | Cucurbits family, Gourd family | High in vitamin A and good source of vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, B9 and minerals. |
Sugar beet | Beta vulgaris subspecies vulgaris convariety vulgaris variety altissima | Beta | Amaranthaceae | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family | Grown commercially for high concentration of sucrose in the root. |
Sunflower | Helianthus | Helianthus | Asteraceae / Compositae | Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family | From Helios the personification of the sun in Greek mythology |
Sweet potato | Ipomoea batatas | Ipomoea | Convolvulaceae | Morning glory family | Sweet tasting root vegetable with edible young leaves and shoots. |
Chard / White beet / Silverbeet / Strawberry spinach | Beta vulgaris subspecies vulgaris | Beta | Amaranthaceae | Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family | Leafy green vegetable with inedible rootes. Low in calories, high in vitamin A, C, K with minerals and fiber. |
Tamarillo | Solanum betaceum | Solanum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Can be yellow, orange, red or purple with or without darker stripes. |
Tomatillo / Mexican husk tomato | Physalis philadelphica | Physalis | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | Small spherical green or green-purple fruit. |
Tomato | Solanum lycopersicum | Solanum | Solanaceae | Nightshades family, potato family | State vegetable of New Jersey. State fruit of Ohio. Cooked tomatoes better than raw as benificial chemicals released. |
Turnip | Brassica rapa subspecies rapa | Brassica | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family | Low calorie root vegetable rich in antioxidents, vitamins and minerals. |
Virginia pepperweed / Pepperwort | Lepidium virginicum | Lepidium | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Crucifer family, Mustard family | Young leaves edible raw or as a herb. Young seeds substitute for black pepper. |
Wasabi / Japanese horseradish | Eutrema japonicum | Wasabia | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family | Related to Horseradish and Mustard. |
Watercress | Nasturtium officinale | Rorippa | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Crucifer family, Mustard family | 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 | Originally from Africa. State vegetable of Oklahoma. |
Wax gourd / Winter melon / Pai Gua | Benincasa hispida | Benincasa | Cucurbitaceae | Cucurbits family, Gourd family | Widely grown across Asia. White juicy sweet flesh. Good source of vitamin B1, B3, vitamin C and minerals. 96% water, ideal for low fat diets. |
Wheatgrass / Wild triga | Thinopyrum intermedium | Agropyron | Poaceae | Cucurbits family, Gourd family | Wheat 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 | Ancestor of all cultivated carrots. The roots and leaves before flowering are edible, after which the white flower head can be eaten raw or fried. Warning: Wild carrot looks similar to poisonous hemlock so be certain! Considered a weed in some parts of the world. |
Zucchini / Courgette / Marrow | Cucurbita pepo variety cylindrica | Cucurbita | Cucurbitaceae | Cucurbits family, Gourd family | Edible flowers. Anti-cancer and heart disease properties, higher Potassium than bananas. |

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- Do you speak German? Please find more vegetable family names on Kräuter und Gewürze
- Spotted a mistake? Do you have any suggestions to improve our vegetable family names list please add 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.
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.
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 comments Samantha, it looks like it’s UK/US/rest of world thing – I’ve added both for now.
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.
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?