21 Black Vegetables You Can Grow For Taste and Color
In the realm of gardening, black vegetables often linger unnoticed. Unearth the allure of these ebony delights, not just for their unique color but also for the health benefits packed within the anthocyanin-rich pigments.
21 Black Vegetables To Grow
1. Aubergine (Eggplant):
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
With its deep purple hue, aubergine stands out, elevating dishes like baba ghanoush and ratatouille. A culinary gem for your garden.
2. Black Corn:
Botanical Name: Zea mays
Dakota black corn, with slender cobs and a chewy texture, offers a less sweet taste. A distinct choice for a vibrant harvest.
3. Black Garlic:
Botanical Name: Allium sativum L.
Transform regular garlic into black magic by exposing it to warmth and moisture. Enjoy its rich, sweet, umami-like flavor in various dishes.
4. Black Pumpkins:
Botanical Name: Cucurbita winter squash
Beyond their dark green skin and nutty taste, black pumpkins serve as captivating decorations, adding aesthetic appeal to your space.
5. Black Salsify:
Botanical Name: Scorzonera hispanica
Known for its dark-brown coloration, black salsify boasts a mild, sweet taste akin to oysters. A root vegetable worth exploring.
6. Shetland Black Potato:
Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum
The visually striking shetland black potatoes, with their sweet taste and texture, carve a niche among diverse black vegetables.
7. Black Nebula Carrots:
Botanical Name: Daucus carota ‘Black Nebula’
Indulge in the visual and flavor experience of these deep purple, almost black root vegetables, perfect for juicing.
8. Black Beauty Tomatoes:
Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum ‘Black Beauty’
Dark and antioxidant-rich, black beauty tomatoes tantalize taste buds with a unique, mouth-watering flavor.
9. Black Magic Kale:
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea ‘Lacinato’
Embrace the beauty of dinosaur kale with deep blue-green, almost black leaves, enhancing salads and meals.
10. Purple Teepee Beans:
Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Purple Teepee’
Harvest young for the best flavor and tenderness; these bush beans showcase dark purple, nearly black pods.
11. Tiny Coban Tomatillo:
Botanical Name: Physalis philadelphica ‘Tiny Coban’
For high yield and a deep purple-black color, tiny coban tomatillo is a must-have for variety in your garden.
12. Black Hungarian Peppers:
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum ‘Black Hungarian’
Infuse moderate heat and delightful flavor into your meals with black Hungarian peppers, perfect for spicing things up.
13. Black Spanish Radish:
Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus
Dating back to the 16th century, these radishes, with spicy white flesh inside black skins, add flavor to cold storage dishes.
14. Black Futsu Pumpkin:
Botanical Name: Cucurbita maxima ‘Thai Kang Kob’
Beginning with a deep teal-black color, this pumpkin turns chestnut brown-black in storage, ideal for baking or curries.
15. Amaranth:
Botanical Name: Amaranthus quitensis
Dark leaves and edible seeds make amaranth a nutrient-packed addition to various recipes, showcasing its versatility.
16. Black Basil:
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’
Grown for decorative purposes, black basil boasts dark purple, almost black leaves, adding a mild basil-like taste.
17. Black Yam:
Botanical Name: Dioscorea alata
Hailing from Southeast Asia, black yams, with their starchy tuberous roots, showcase dark brown to black outer skin.
18. Black Trumpet Mushroom:
Botanical Name: Craterellus cornucopioides
Relish the rich, earthy flavor of black trumpet mushrooms, distinguished by their black funnel-shaped caps.
19. Black Zucchini:
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo ‘Black Beauty’
A fusion of dark green and black hues, black zucchinis offer a flavor and texture akin to their green counterparts.
20. Black Asparagus:
Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
With a rich, dark purple color bordering on black, black asparagus imparts an earthy aroma to your culinary creations.
21. Black Truffle:
Botanical Name: Tuber melanosporum
Highly prized and often found on tree roots, the black truffle is a gourmet delicacy in French and Italian cuisine.
Conclusion
Elevate your gardening experience by embracing the rich diversity of black vegetables. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these treasures bring unique flavors and nutritional benefits to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I grow black vegetables in containers?
Yes, many black vegetables thrive in containers, offering a convenient option for limited space.
Q2: Are black vegetables harder to grow than traditional varieties?
Not necessarily. While some may have specific requirements, most black vegetables are as easy to grow as their traditional counterparts.
Q3: Do black vegetables taste different from regular ones?
Yes, black vegetables often have distinctive flavors, adding a unique touch to your culinary creations.
Q4: How can I incorporate black vegetables into my diet?
Experiment with various recipes, from salads to main dishes, to enjoy the diverse flavors and textures of black vegetables.
Q5: Where can I find seeds for black vegetables?
You can find seeds for black vegetables at local nurseries, online seed stores, or specialty gardening shops.
