As a gardener, it’s always fun to try growing new and unusual vegetables in your garden. Not only do these unique varieties add interest and diversity to your garden, but they can also provide new flavors and textures to your meals. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 unusual and unique vegetable varieties that you can try in your garden.
Purple Carrots
Purple carrots are a unique twist on the traditional orange carrot. These carrots get their deep, rich color from the presence of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are also found in blueberries and black grapes. In addition to their striking color, purple carrots are also known for their sweet, earthy flavor and crisp, crunchy texture. They’re a great addition to salads, roasted vegetable dishes, and even smoothies.
Striped Tomatoes
If you’re looking to add some color to your tomato plants, striped tomatoes are a fun option to try. These tomatoes come in a range of colors, including green, yellow, orange, and red, and have distinctive stripes or streaks running down their skin. Striped tomatoes are often heirloom varieties, which means they’ve been passed down through generations and are known for their unique flavors and characteristics. Some popular striped tomato varieties include Green Zebra, Striped German, and Rainbow Cherry.
Purple Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are often overlooked in the vegetable garden, but the Purple Brussels sprout is a unique and visually striking variety that’s worth a try. As the name suggests, these Brussels sprouts have a deep, rich purple color and are known for their sweet, nutty flavor. They’re a great addition to roasted vegetable dishes and can also be eaten raw in salads.
Green Cauliflower
While white is the most common color for cauliflower, green cauliflower is a unique and eye-catching variety that’s worth trying in your garden. Green cauliflower is a bit milder in flavor than white cauliflower and has a slightly sweet, nutty taste. It’s a great option for roasting, grilling, or using in soups and stews.
Black Radishes
Black radishes are a unique and striking variation of the traditional red radish. These radishes have a deep, almost black color and are known for their sharp, spicy flavor. They’re a great addition to salads, slaws, and other raw dishes, and can also be roasted or added to soups and stews for a burst of flavor.
Yellow Beets
While red beets are the most common variety, yellow beets are a unique and attractive option to try in your garden. These beets have a bright, sunny yellow color and a slightly sweeter, milder flavor than red beets. They’re a great addition to salads, roasted vegetable dishes, and can also be used to make pickles or preserves.
Purple Potatoes
Purple potatoes are a unique and visually striking addition to any vegetable garden. These potatoes get their deep, rich color from the presence of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are also found in blueberries and black grapes. In addition to their striking color, purple potatoes are also known for their creamy, smooth texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor. They’re a great addition to roasted vegetable dishes, soups, and can also be used to make mashed potatoes or potato chips.