🥒 Veggie Vocab
Vegetable vocabulary is easiest to learn by thinking about how foods are used in cooking, not only by botanical classification. In everyday food English, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, corn, and peas are commonly grouped with vegetables even though science may classify some of them differently. This page covers major groups including roots and tubers, bulbs, stems, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, pods, squashes, and other common vegetables. It also includes useful regional vocabulary such as zucchini / courgette, eggplant / aubergine, and rutabaga / swede.
🥕 Roots, Tubers & Underground Vegetables
🥕 Carrot
a crisp root vegetable, usually orange, with a mildly sweet flavor
Example: She sliced the carrot into thin rounds for the soup.
🇫🇷 French: Carotte
🇩🇪 German: Karotte / Möhre
🇮🇹 Italian: Carota
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cenoura
💡 Nuance: Carrots are commonly eaten raw, roasted, boiled, steamed, or added to soups and stews.
a crisp root vegetable, usually orange, with a mildly sweet flavor
Example: She sliced the carrot into thin rounds for the soup.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Zanahoria🇫🇷 French: Carotte
🇩🇪 German: Karotte / Möhre
🇮🇹 Italian: Carota
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cenoura
💡 Nuance: Carrots are commonly eaten raw, roasted, boiled, steamed, or added to soups and stews.
🥔 Potato
a starchy underground tuber used in dishes such as fries, mashed potatoes, soups, and roasted vegetables
Example: The potatoes were roasted until crisp outside and soft inside.
🇫🇷 French: Pomme de terre
🇩🇪 German: Kartoffel
🇮🇹 Italian: Patata
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Batata
💡 Nuance: A potato is a tuber, not the same plant as a sweet potato.
a starchy underground tuber used in dishes such as fries, mashed potatoes, soups, and roasted vegetables
Example: The potatoes were roasted until crisp outside and soft inside.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Papa / patata🇫🇷 French: Pomme de terre
🇩🇪 German: Kartoffel
🇮🇹 Italian: Patata
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Batata
💡 Nuance: A potato is a tuber, not the same plant as a sweet potato.
🍠 Sweet Potato
a sweet, starchy root vegetable with flesh that may be orange, white, purple, or another color
Example: She baked the sweet potato until the center became soft and creamy.
🇫🇷 French: Patate douce
🇩🇪 German: Süßkartoffel
🇮🇹 Italian: Patata dolce
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Batata-doce
💡 Nuance: Sweet potatoes and ordinary potatoes belong to different plant families and behave differently in recipes.
a sweet, starchy root vegetable with flesh that may be orange, white, purple, or another color
Example: She baked the sweet potato until the center became soft and creamy.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Batata / camote🇫🇷 French: Patate douce
🇩🇪 German: Süßkartoffel
🇮🇹 Italian: Patata dolce
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Batata-doce
💡 Nuance: Sweet potatoes and ordinary potatoes belong to different plant families and behave differently in recipes.
❤️ Beet
a root vegetable with an earthy, sweet flavor and commonly deep red or purple flesh
Example: The roasted beet stained the cutting board deep red.
🇫🇷 French: Betterave
🇩🇪 German: Rote Bete
🇮🇹 Italian: Barbabietola
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Beterraba
💡 Nuance: British English commonly uses beetroot where American English often says beet.
a root vegetable with an earthy, sweet flavor and commonly deep red or purple flesh
Example: The roasted beet stained the cutting board deep red.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Remolacha🇫🇷 French: Betterave
🇩🇪 German: Rote Bete
🇮🇹 Italian: Barbabietola
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Beterraba
💡 Nuance: British English commonly uses beetroot where American English often says beet.
⚪ Turnip
a round root vegetable with white flesh and a mildly peppery flavor
Example: The cook added diced turnip to the winter stew.
🇫🇷 French: Navet
🇩🇪 German: Speiserübe
🇮🇹 Italian: Rapa
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Nabo
💡 Nuance: Small young turnips can be relatively mild, while older ones may taste stronger.
a round root vegetable with white flesh and a mildly peppery flavor
Example: The cook added diced turnip to the winter stew.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Nabo🇫🇷 French: Navet
🇩🇪 German: Speiserübe
🇮🇹 Italian: Rapa
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Nabo
💡 Nuance: Small young turnips can be relatively mild, while older ones may taste stronger.
🔴 Radish
a crisp root vegetable with a fresh, peppery flavor, commonly eaten raw
Example: Thinly sliced radishes added crunch to the salad.
🇫🇷 French: Radis
🇩🇪 German: Radieschen / Rettich
🇮🇹 Italian: Ravanello
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Rabanete
💡 Nuance: Radishes range from small red varieties to larger white types such as daikon.
a crisp root vegetable with a fresh, peppery flavor, commonly eaten raw
Example: Thinly sliced radishes added crunch to the salad.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Rábano🇫🇷 French: Radis
🇩🇪 German: Radieschen / Rettich
🇮🇹 Italian: Ravanello
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Rabanete
💡 Nuance: Radishes range from small red varieties to larger white types such as daikon.
🤍 Parsnip
a pale root vegetable related to the carrot, with a sweet, earthy flavor
Example: The parsnips became sweeter as they caramelized in the oven.
🇫🇷 French: Panais
🇩🇪 German: Pastinake
🇮🇹 Italian: Pastinaca
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pastinaca
💡 Nuance: Parsnips resemble pale carrots but usually have a more earthy and distinctive flavor.
a pale root vegetable related to the carrot, with a sweet, earthy flavor
Example: The parsnips became sweeter as they caramelized in the oven.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Chirivía🇫🇷 French: Panais
🇩🇪 German: Pastinake
🇮🇹 Italian: Pastinaca
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pastinaca
💡 Nuance: Parsnips resemble pale carrots but usually have a more earthy and distinctive flavor.
🟡 Rutabaga
a large, firm root vegetable with yellowish flesh and a mildly sweet, earthy flavor
Example: She mashed the rutabaga with butter and black pepper.
🇫🇷 French: Rutabaga
🇩🇪 German: Steckrübe
🇮🇹 Italian: Rutabaga
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Rutabaga
💡 Nuance: British English commonly calls this vegetable a swede. It is generally larger and yellower inside than a turnip.
a large, firm root vegetable with yellowish flesh and a mildly sweet, earthy flavor
Example: She mashed the rutabaga with butter and black pepper.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Nabicol / rutabaga🇫🇷 French: Rutabaga
🇩🇪 German: Steckrübe
🇮🇹 Italian: Rutabaga
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Rutabaga
💡 Nuance: British English commonly calls this vegetable a swede. It is generally larger and yellower inside than a turnip.
🤍 Jicama
a crisp, juicy root vegetable with white flesh and a mildly sweet flavor
Example: The jicama was cut into sticks and served raw with lime and chili.
🇫🇷 French: Jicama
🇩🇪 German: Jicama
🇮🇹 Italian: Jicama
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Jicama
💡 Nuance: Jicama is often eaten raw because it stays crisp and juicy.
a crisp, juicy root vegetable with white flesh and a mildly sweet flavor
Example: The jicama was cut into sticks and served raw with lime and chili.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Jícama🇫🇷 French: Jicama
🇩🇪 German: Jicama
🇮🇹 Italian: Jicama
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Jicama
💡 Nuance: Jicama is often eaten raw because it stays crisp and juicy.
🌿 Cassava
a starchy tropical root used in many cuisines and processed into foods such as tapioca
Example: The cassava was peeled, boiled, and served as a starchy side dish.
🇫🇷 French: Manioc
🇩🇪 German: Maniok
🇮🇹 Italian: Manioca
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Mandioca / aipim / macaxeira
💡 Nuance: Cassava is also widely called yuca. It should be properly prepared before eating; it is not treated like a raw snack vegetable.
a starchy tropical root used in many cuisines and processed into foods such as tapioca
Example: The cassava was peeled, boiled, and served as a starchy side dish.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Yuca / mandioca🇫🇷 French: Manioc
🇩🇪 German: Maniok
🇮🇹 Italian: Manioca
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Mandioca / aipim / macaxeira
💡 Nuance: Cassava is also widely called yuca. It should be properly prepared before eating; it is not treated like a raw snack vegetable.
🧅 Bulbs, Stems & Stalk Vegetables
🧅 Onion
a pungent bulb vegetable used as a basic aromatic ingredient in countless savory dishes
Example: She sautéed the onion until it became soft and lightly browned.
🇫🇷 French: Oignon
🇩🇪 German: Zwiebel
🇮🇹 Italian: Cipolla
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cebola
a pungent bulb vegetable used as a basic aromatic ingredient in countless savory dishes
Example: She sautéed the onion until it became soft and lightly browned.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Cebolla🇫🇷 French: Oignon
🇩🇪 German: Zwiebel
🇮🇹 Italian: Cipolla
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cebola
🧄 Garlic
a strongly flavored bulb made up of individual cloves and used primarily as a seasoning or aromatic
Example: He minced two cloves of garlic for the sauce.
🇫🇷 French: Ail
🇩🇪 German: Knoblauch
🇮🇹 Italian: Aglio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alho
💡 Nuance: A whole garlic bulb contains multiple cloves.
a strongly flavored bulb made up of individual cloves and used primarily as a seasoning or aromatic
Example: He minced two cloves of garlic for the sauce.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Ajo🇫🇷 French: Ail
🇩🇪 German: Knoblauch
🇮🇹 Italian: Aglio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alho
💡 Nuance: A whole garlic bulb contains multiple cloves.
🌿 Leek
a long vegetable related to onions, with a mild onion-like flavor and white and pale-green stalk
Example: The leek was sliced thinly and washed carefully before cooking.
🇫🇷 French: Poireau
🇩🇪 German: Lauch / Porree
🇮🇹 Italian: Porro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alho-poró
💡 Nuance: Leeks are milder than ordinary onions and often collect soil between their layers, so they need careful washing.
a long vegetable related to onions, with a mild onion-like flavor and white and pale-green stalk
Example: The leek was sliced thinly and washed carefully before cooking.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Puerro🇫🇷 French: Poireau
🇩🇪 German: Lauch / Porree
🇮🇹 Italian: Porro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alho-poró
💡 Nuance: Leeks are milder than ordinary onions and often collect soil between their layers, so they need careful washing.
🧅 Shallot
a small onion relative with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor
Example: Finely chopped shallot added a mild onion flavor to the vinaigrette.
🇫🇷 French: Échalote
🇩🇪 German: Schalotte
🇮🇹 Italian: Scalogno
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Chalota
💡 Nuance: Shallots are often used raw in dressings because their flavor can be gentler than a standard onion.
a small onion relative with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor
Example: Finely chopped shallot added a mild onion flavor to the vinaigrette.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Chalota🇫🇷 French: Échalote
🇩🇪 German: Schalotte
🇮🇹 Italian: Scalogno
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Chalota
💡 Nuance: Shallots are often used raw in dressings because their flavor can be gentler than a standard onion.
🌿 Celery
a crisp vegetable with long pale-green stalks and a fresh, savory flavor
Example: She chopped celery, carrots, and onions for the soup base.
🇫🇷 French: Céleri
🇩🇪 German: Staudensellerie
🇮🇹 Italian: Sedano
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Aipo / salsão
a crisp vegetable with long pale-green stalks and a fresh, savory flavor
Example: She chopped celery, carrots, and onions for the soup base.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Apio🇫🇷 French: Céleri
🇩🇪 German: Staudensellerie
🇮🇹 Italian: Sedano
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Aipo / salsão
🌱 Asparagus
a vegetable consisting of tender young shoots with pointed tips
Example: The asparagus was roasted until the stalks were tender and lightly browned.
🇫🇷 French: Asperge
🇩🇪 German: Spargel
🇮🇹 Italian: Asparago
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Aspargo
💡 Nuance: Green asparagus is common, while white asparagus is especially important in parts of Europe.
a vegetable consisting of tender young shoots with pointed tips
Example: The asparagus was roasted until the stalks were tender and lightly browned.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Espárrago🇫🇷 French: Asperge
🇩🇪 German: Spargel
🇮🇹 Italian: Asparago
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Aspargo
💡 Nuance: Green asparagus is common, while white asparagus is especially important in parts of Europe.
🌿 Fennel
a vegetable with a pale bulb-like base, green stalks, and a mild anise-like flavor
Example: The fennel was shaved thinly and added raw to the salad.
🇫🇷 French: Fenouil
🇩🇪 German: Fenchel
🇮🇹 Italian: Finocchio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Funcho
💡 Nuance: The bulb-like base is used as a vegetable, while fennel seeds are used as a spice.
a vegetable with a pale bulb-like base, green stalks, and a mild anise-like flavor
Example: The fennel was shaved thinly and added raw to the salad.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Hinojo🇫🇷 French: Fenouil
🇩🇪 German: Fenchel
🇮🇹 Italian: Finocchio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Funcho
💡 Nuance: The bulb-like base is used as a vegetable, while fennel seeds are used as a spice.
🌿 Artichoke
the immature flower bud of a thistle-like plant, eaten by removing the tender flesh from the leaves and the central heart
Example: The artichoke hearts were added to the pasta after being drained.
🇫🇷 French: Artichaut
🇩🇪 German: Artischocke
🇮🇹 Italian: Carciofo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alcachofra
💡 Nuance: The tender central portion is called the artichoke heart.
the immature flower bud of a thistle-like plant, eaten by removing the tender flesh from the leaves and the central heart
Example: The artichoke hearts were added to the pasta after being drained.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Alcachofa🇫🇷 French: Artichaut
🇩🇪 German: Artischocke
🇮🇹 Italian: Carciofo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alcachofra
💡 Nuance: The tender central portion is called the artichoke heart.
🥦 Cruciferous Vegetables & Leafy Greens
🥦 Broccoli
a green cruciferous vegetable with thick stalks and clusters of small flower buds
Example: The broccoli was steamed until bright green and tender.
🇫🇷 French: Brocoli
🇩🇪 German: Brokkoli
🇮🇹 Italian: Broccoli
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Brócolis
a green cruciferous vegetable with thick stalks and clusters of small flower buds
Example: The broccoli was steamed until bright green and tender.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Brócoli🇫🇷 French: Brocoli
🇩🇪 German: Brokkoli
🇮🇹 Italian: Broccoli
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Brócolis
🤍 Cauliflower
a cruciferous vegetable with a dense head of tightly packed flower buds, usually white
Example: The cauliflower florets were roasted with olive oil and garlic.
🇫🇷 French: Chou-fleur
🇩🇪 German: Blumenkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolfiore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couve-flor
💡 Nuance: Broccoli and cauliflower are closely related, but broccoli has looser green florets while cauliflower forms a denser head.
a cruciferous vegetable with a dense head of tightly packed flower buds, usually white
Example: The cauliflower florets were roasted with olive oil and garlic.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Coliflor🇫🇷 French: Chou-fleur
🇩🇪 German: Blumenkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolfiore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couve-flor
💡 Nuance: Broccoli and cauliflower are closely related, but broccoli has looser green florets while cauliflower forms a denser head.
🥬 Cabbage
a leafy vegetable that forms a dense round head and may be green, red, purple, or pale
Example: The cabbage was shredded finely for coleslaw.
🇫🇷 French: Chou
🇩🇪 German: Kohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Repolho
a leafy vegetable that forms a dense round head and may be green, red, purple, or pale
Example: The cabbage was shredded finely for coleslaw.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Col / repollo🇫🇷 French: Chou
🇩🇪 German: Kohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Repolho
🥬 Brussels Sprouts
small round cruciferous vegetables that grow along a tall stalk and resemble miniature cabbages
Example: The Brussels sprouts were roasted until the outer leaves became crisp.
🇫🇷 French: Choux de Bruxelles
🇩🇪 German: Rosenkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavoletti di Bruxelles
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couves-de-bruxelas
small round cruciferous vegetables that grow along a tall stalk and resemble miniature cabbages
Example: The Brussels sprouts were roasted until the outer leaves became crisp.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Coles de Bruselas🇫🇷 French: Choux de Bruxelles
🇩🇪 German: Rosenkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavoletti di Bruxelles
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couves-de-bruxelas
🥬 Kale
a leafy cruciferous vegetable with sturdy leaves that may be curly or flat
Example: She removed the tough stems before chopping the kale.
🇫🇷 French: Chou kale
🇩🇪 German: Grünkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolo riccio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couve kale
a leafy cruciferous vegetable with sturdy leaves that may be curly or flat
Example: She removed the tough stems before chopping the kale.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Col rizada🇫🇷 French: Chou kale
🇩🇪 German: Grünkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolo riccio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couve kale
🌿 Spinach
a tender dark-green leafy vegetable eaten raw or cooked
Example: The spinach wilted quickly when it was added to the hot pan.
🇫🇷 French: Épinard
🇩🇪 German: Spinat
🇮🇹 Italian: Spinacio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Espinafre
a tender dark-green leafy vegetable eaten raw or cooked
Example: The spinach wilted quickly when it was added to the hot pan.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Espinaca🇫🇷 French: Épinard
🇩🇪 German: Spinat
🇮🇹 Italian: Spinacio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Espinafre
🥬 Lettuce
a leafy vegetable commonly eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, and wraps
Example: The sandwich was topped with crisp lettuce and tomato.
🇫🇷 French: Laitue
🇩🇪 German: Salat / Kopfsalat
🇮🇹 Italian: Lattuga
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alface
💡 Nuance: Romaine, iceberg, butterhead, and leaf lettuce are common types.
a leafy vegetable commonly eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, and wraps
Example: The sandwich was topped with crisp lettuce and tomato.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Lechuga🇫🇷 French: Laitue
🇩🇪 German: Salat / Kopfsalat
🇮🇹 Italian: Lattuga
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Alface
💡 Nuance: Romaine, iceberg, butterhead, and leaf lettuce are common types.
🌈 Swiss Chard
a leafy green with broad leaves and thick edible stems that may be white, red, yellow, or other colors
Example: She sautéed the Swiss chard leaves and stems with garlic.
🇫🇷 French: Blette
🇩🇪 German: Mangold
🇮🇹 Italian: Bietola
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Acelga
💡 Nuance: The shorter name chard is also common in English.
a leafy green with broad leaves and thick edible stems that may be white, red, yellow, or other colors
Example: She sautéed the Swiss chard leaves and stems with garlic.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Acelga🇫🇷 French: Blette
🇩🇪 German: Mangold
🇮🇹 Italian: Bietola
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Acelga
💡 Nuance: The shorter name chard is also common in English.
🥬 Collard Greens
large, sturdy dark-green leaves in the cabbage family, commonly cooked until tender
Example: The collard greens simmered slowly until the leaves became tender.
🇫🇷 French: Feuilles de chou vert
🇩🇪 German: Blattkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolo a foglia
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couve
💡 Nuance: Collard greens are especially important in Southern U.S. cooking and generally require more cooking than tender spinach.
large, sturdy dark-green leaves in the cabbage family, commonly cooked until tender
Example: The collard greens simmered slowly until the leaves became tender.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Berza / hojas de col🇫🇷 French: Feuilles de chou vert
🇩🇪 German: Blattkohl
🇮🇹 Italian: Cavolo a foglia
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Couve
💡 Nuance: Collard greens are especially important in Southern U.S. cooking and generally require more cooking than tender spinach.
🥬 Bok Choy
a Chinese cabbage with pale crisp stalks and dark-green leaves
Example: The bok choy was stir-fried quickly so the stalks stayed crisp.
🇫🇷 French: Pak-choï
🇩🇪 German: Pak Choi
🇮🇹 Italian: Pak choi
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Bok choy / pak choi
💡 Nuance: Pak choi is another common English spelling.
a Chinese cabbage with pale crisp stalks and dark-green leaves
Example: The bok choy was stir-fried quickly so the stalks stayed crisp.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Bok choy / pak choi🇫🇷 French: Pak-choï
🇩🇪 German: Pak Choi
🇮🇹 Italian: Pak choi
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Bok choy / pak choi
💡 Nuance: Pak choi is another common English spelling.
🌿 Watercress
a tender leafy green with small leaves and a fresh peppery flavor
Example: The watercress added a peppery bite to the sandwich.
🇫🇷 French: Cresson
🇩🇪 German: Brunnenkresse
🇮🇹 Italian: Crescione
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Agrião
a tender leafy green with small leaves and a fresh peppery flavor
Example: The watercress added a peppery bite to the sandwich.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Berro🇫🇷 French: Cresson
🇩🇪 German: Brunnenkresse
🇮🇹 Italian: Crescione
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Agrião
🫛 Pods, Kernels & Everyday Culinary Vegetables
🫛 Green Bean
the tender edible pod of certain bean varieties, eaten before the beans inside fully mature
Example: The green beans were steamed until tender but still slightly crisp.
🇫🇷 French: Haricot vert
🇩🇪 German: Grüne Bohne
🇮🇹 Italian: Fagiolino
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Vagem
💡 Nuance: String bean and snap bean are other common English terms for related types.
the tender edible pod of certain bean varieties, eaten before the beans inside fully mature
Example: The green beans were steamed until tender but still slightly crisp.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Judía verde / ejote🇫🇷 French: Haricot vert
🇩🇪 German: Grüne Bohne
🇮🇹 Italian: Fagiolino
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Vagem
💡 Nuance: String bean and snap bean are other common English terms for related types.
🟢 Pea
a small round green seed eaten fresh, frozen, or cooked and treated as a vegetable in everyday cooking
Example: She added frozen peas to the rice during the last few minutes of cooking.
🇫🇷 French: Petit pois
🇩🇪 German: Erbse
🇮🇹 Italian: Pisello
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Ervilha
💡 Nuance: Botanically, peas are legumes, but fresh green peas are commonly treated as vegetables in cooking.
a small round green seed eaten fresh, frozen, or cooked and treated as a vegetable in everyday cooking
Example: She added frozen peas to the rice during the last few minutes of cooking.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Guisante / arveja🇫🇷 French: Petit pois
🇩🇪 German: Erbse
🇮🇹 Italian: Pisello
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Ervilha
💡 Nuance: Botanically, peas are legumes, but fresh green peas are commonly treated as vegetables in cooking.
🌽 Corn
a crop with rows of kernels on an ear, commonly eaten as a vegetable when harvested young and sweet
Example: The corn was grilled on the cob and served with butter.
🇫🇷 French: Maïs
🇩🇪 German: Mais
🇮🇹 Italian: Mais
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Milho
💡 Nuance: Corn is botanically a cereal grain, but sweet corn is commonly treated as a vegetable when eaten fresh.
a crop with rows of kernels on an ear, commonly eaten as a vegetable when harvested young and sweet
Example: The corn was grilled on the cob and served with butter.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Maíz🇫🇷 French: Maïs
🇩🇪 German: Mais
🇮🇹 Italian: Mais
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Milho
💡 Nuance: Corn is botanically a cereal grain, but sweet corn is commonly treated as a vegetable when eaten fresh.
🍅 Fruiting Vegetables & Squashes
🍅 Tomato
a juicy red, yellow, orange, or green food commonly used as a vegetable in savory cooking
Example: The tomato was sliced for the salad and sandwich.
🇫🇷 French: Tomate
🇩🇪 German: Tomate
🇮🇹 Italian: Pomodoro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tomate
💡 Nuance: Botanically, tomato is a fruit, but in everyday culinary English it is commonly grouped with vegetables.
a juicy red, yellow, orange, or green food commonly used as a vegetable in savory cooking
Example: The tomato was sliced for the salad and sandwich.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Tomate🇫🇷 French: Tomate
🇩🇪 German: Tomate
🇮🇹 Italian: Pomodoro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tomate
💡 Nuance: Botanically, tomato is a fruit, but in everyday culinary English it is commonly grouped with vegetables.
🥒 Cucumber
a crisp, watery vegetable commonly eaten raw, pickled, or added to salads
Example: The cucumber slices made the salad cool and crisp.
🇫🇷 French: Concombre
🇩🇪 German: Gurke
🇮🇹 Italian: Cetriolo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pepino
💡 Nuance: Cucumbers are botanically fruits but are treated as vegetables in ordinary cooking.
a crisp, watery vegetable commonly eaten raw, pickled, or added to salads
Example: The cucumber slices made the salad cool and crisp.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Pepino🇫🇷 French: Concombre
🇩🇪 German: Gurke
🇮🇹 Italian: Cetriolo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pepino
💡 Nuance: Cucumbers are botanically fruits but are treated as vegetables in ordinary cooking.
🥒 Zucchini
a tender summer squash, usually green and cylindrical, eaten while immature
Example: The zucchini was sliced lengthwise and grilled.
🇫🇷 French: Courgette
🇩🇪 German: Zucchini
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucchina
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abobrinha / curgete
💡 Nuance: British English normally uses courgette where American English uses zucchini.
a tender summer squash, usually green and cylindrical, eaten while immature
Example: The zucchini was sliced lengthwise and grilled.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Calabacín🇫🇷 French: Courgette
🇩🇪 German: Zucchini
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucchina
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abobrinha / curgete
💡 Nuance: British English normally uses courgette where American English uses zucchini.
🟡 Yellow Squash
a yellow summer squash with tender skin and mild flesh, often straight or slightly curved
Example: The yellow squash was sautéed with zucchini and onions.
🇫🇷 French: Courge jaune d'été
🇩🇪 German: Gelber Sommerkürbis
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucchina gialla
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abóbora-amarela de verão
💡 Nuance: Yellow squash and zucchini are both summer squashes with tender edible skins.
a yellow summer squash with tender skin and mild flesh, often straight or slightly curved
Example: The yellow squash was sautéed with zucchini and onions.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Calabaza amarilla de verano🇫🇷 French: Courge jaune d'été
🇩🇪 German: Gelber Sommerkürbis
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucchina gialla
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abóbora-amarela de verão
💡 Nuance: Yellow squash and zucchini are both summer squashes with tender edible skins.
🍐 Butternut Squash
a tan winter squash with orange flesh and a sweet, nutty flavor
Example: The butternut squash was roasted and blended into soup.
🇫🇷 French: Courge butternut
🇩🇪 German: Butternut-Kürbis
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucca butternut
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abóbora butternut
💡 Nuance: Unlike tender summer squash, butternut squash has firmer flesh and a harder outer skin.
a tan winter squash with orange flesh and a sweet, nutty flavor
Example: The butternut squash was roasted and blended into soup.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Calabaza butternut🇫🇷 French: Courge butternut
🇩🇪 German: Butternut-Kürbis
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucca butternut
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abóbora butternut
💡 Nuance: Unlike tender summer squash, butternut squash has firmer flesh and a harder outer skin.
🎃 Pumpkin
a type of winter squash with firm flesh used in soups, roasted dishes, purées, and desserts
Example: The pumpkin was roasted before being puréed for the soup.
🇫🇷 French: Citrouille / potiron
🇩🇪 German: Kürbis
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucca
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abóbora
💡 Nuance: Pumpkin is one part of the broader squash family, and culinary naming varies by country.
a type of winter squash with firm flesh used in soups, roasted dishes, purées, and desserts
Example: The pumpkin was roasted before being puréed for the soup.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Calabaza🇫🇷 French: Citrouille / potiron
🇩🇪 German: Kürbis
🇮🇹 Italian: Zucca
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Abóbora
💡 Nuance: Pumpkin is one part of the broader squash family, and culinary naming varies by country.
🍆 Eggplant
a vegetable with soft flesh and usually glossy purple skin, although many shapes and colors exist
Example: The eggplant absorbed the olive oil as it cooked.
🇫🇷 French: Aubergine
🇩🇪 German: Aubergine
🇮🇹 Italian: Melanzana
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Berinjela
💡 Nuance: British English normally uses aubergine where American English uses eggplant.
a vegetable with soft flesh and usually glossy purple skin, although many shapes and colors exist
Example: The eggplant absorbed the olive oil as it cooked.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Berenjena🇫🇷 French: Aubergine
🇩🇪 German: Aubergine
🇮🇹 Italian: Melanzana
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Berinjela
💡 Nuance: British English normally uses aubergine where American English uses eggplant.
🌿 Okra
a green ridged pod vegetable with edible seeds and natural thickening properties
Example: The sliced okra helped thicken the gumbo as it cooked.
🇫🇷 French: Gombo
🇩🇪 German: Okra
🇮🇹 Italian: Okra
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Quiabo
💡 Nuance: Okra releases a mucilaginous liquid when cut and cooked, which can naturally thicken soups and stews.
a green ridged pod vegetable with edible seeds and natural thickening properties
Example: The sliced okra helped thicken the gumbo as it cooked.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Okra / quimbombó🇫🇷 French: Gombo
🇩🇪 German: Okra
🇮🇹 Italian: Okra
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Quiabo
💡 Nuance: Okra releases a mucilaginous liquid when cut and cooked, which can naturally thicken soups and stews.
🧠 Useful Distinctions
🥔 Potato vs. 🍠 Sweet Potato
Both are starchy underground foods, but they come from different plants. Potatoes are tubers, while sweet potatoes are storage roots and are usually sweeter.
Both are starchy underground foods, but they come from different plants. Potatoes are tubers, while sweet potatoes are storage roots and are usually sweeter.
🧅 Onion vs. Shallot
Onion is the broad everyday bulb vegetable. Shallots are smaller and often have a milder, more delicate flavor, making them popular in vinaigrettes and sauces.
Onion is the broad everyday bulb vegetable. Shallots are smaller and often have a milder, more delicate flavor, making them popular in vinaigrettes and sauces.
🧅 Onion vs. 🌿 Leek
Both belong to the allium family. Onions form compact bulbs, while leeks form long layered stalks and generally taste milder.
Both belong to the allium family. Onions form compact bulbs, while leeks form long layered stalks and generally taste milder.
🥦 Broccoli vs. Cauliflower
Both are closely related cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli has green stalks and loose florets, while cauliflower usually forms a dense pale head.
Both are closely related cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli has green stalks and loose florets, while cauliflower usually forms a dense pale head.
🥬 Cabbage vs. Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage forms one large leafy head. Brussels sprouts form many small cabbage-like buds along a tall stalk.
Cabbage forms one large leafy head. Brussels sprouts form many small cabbage-like buds along a tall stalk.
🥬 Kale vs. Spinach
Kale has tougher, sturdier leaves and often benefits from longer cooking or massaging when raw. Spinach is much more tender and wilts quickly.
Kale has tougher, sturdier leaves and often benefits from longer cooking or massaging when raw. Spinach is much more tender and wilts quickly.
🥬 Lettuce vs. Collard Greens
Lettuce is commonly eaten raw because its leaves are tender. Collard greens are tougher and are commonly cooked until soft.
Lettuce is commonly eaten raw because its leaves are tender. Collard greens are tougher and are commonly cooked until soft.
🥒 Zucchini vs. Yellow Squash
Both are tender summer squashes. Zucchini is usually green and cylindrical, while yellow squash is yellow and may have a curved or tapered shape.
Both are tender summer squashes. Zucchini is usually green and cylindrical, while yellow squash is yellow and may have a curved or tapered shape.
🥒 Summer Squash vs. Butternut Squash
Zucchini and yellow squash have tender edible skins and are harvested young. Butternut squash is a winter squash with firmer flesh and a harder skin.
Zucchini and yellow squash have tender edible skins and are harvested young. Butternut squash is a winter squash with firmer flesh and a harder skin.
🎃 Pumpkin vs. Butternut Squash
Both belong to the broader winter-squash family. Pumpkin covers several round squash types, while butternut squash has a recognizable elongated pear-like shape and orange flesh.
Both belong to the broader winter-squash family. Pumpkin covers several round squash types, while butternut squash has a recognizable elongated pear-like shape and orange flesh.
⚪ Turnip vs. 🟡 Rutabaga
Turnips are usually smaller with white flesh and a sharper flavor. Rutabagas are commonly larger, yellower inside, and somewhat sweeter. British English often calls rutabaga swede.
Turnips are usually smaller with white flesh and a sharper flavor. Rutabagas are commonly larger, yellower inside, and somewhat sweeter. British English often calls rutabaga swede.
🥕 Carrot vs. Parsnip
Both are elongated root vegetables. Carrots are commonly orange and mildly sweet, while parsnips are pale and have a more earthy, aromatic sweetness.
Both are elongated root vegetables. Carrots are commonly orange and mildly sweet, while parsnips are pale and have a more earthy, aromatic sweetness.
🤍 Jicama vs. Cassava
Jicama is crisp, juicy, and commonly eaten raw. Cassava is much starchier and should be properly prepared and cooked before eating.
Jicama is crisp, juicy, and commonly eaten raw. Cassava is much starchier and should be properly prepared and cooked before eating.
🫛 Green Bean vs. Pea
A green bean is eaten mainly for its tender pod. A pea is the round seed inside a pea pod and is usually removed from the pod before eating, except in edible-pod varieties.
A green bean is eaten mainly for its tender pod. A pea is the round seed inside a pea pod and is usually removed from the pod before eating, except in edible-pod varieties.
🌽 Corn as Vegetable vs. Grain
Fresh sweet corn is commonly treated as a vegetable in cooking. Mature dried corn is botanically and nutritionally treated as a cereal grain.
Fresh sweet corn is commonly treated as a vegetable in cooking. Mature dried corn is botanically and nutritionally treated as a cereal grain.
🍅 Tomato: Fruit vs. Vegetable
Botanically, a tomato is a fruit because it develops from a flower and contains seeds. In everyday cooking, it is commonly treated and discussed as a vegetable.
Botanically, a tomato is a fruit because it develops from a flower and contains seeds. In everyday cooking, it is commonly treated and discussed as a vegetable.
🥒 Cucumber: Fruit vs. Vegetable
Cucumber is also botanically a fruit, but culinary English normally groups it with vegetables because it is used primarily in savory dishes.
Cucumber is also botanically a fruit, but culinary English normally groups it with vegetables because it is used primarily in savory dishes.
🍆 Eggplant vs. Aubergine
These are two English names for the same vegetable. Eggplant is standard in American English, while aubergine is standard in British English.
These are two English names for the same vegetable. Eggplant is standard in American English, while aubergine is standard in British English.
🥒 Zucchini vs. Courgette
These are also regional names for the same vegetable. Zucchini is standard in American English, while courgette is common in British English.
These are also regional names for the same vegetable. Zucchini is standard in American English, while courgette is common in British English.
🌿 Bok Choy vs. Ordinary Cabbage
Bok choy has distinct crisp stalks and loose dark-green leaves. Many common cabbages form a tightly packed round head.
Bok choy has distinct crisp stalks and loose dark-green leaves. Many common cabbages form a tightly packed round head.
💬 Everyday Vegetable Phrases
🥒 In American English, we usually say zucchini; in British English, courgette is more common.
recognizing an important regional vocabulary difference
🇫🇷 En anglais américain, on dit généralement zucchini ; en anglais britannique, courgette est plus courant.
🇩🇪 Im amerikanischen Englisch sagt man normalerweise zucchini; im britischen Englisch ist courgette üblicher.
🇮🇹 Nell'inglese americano si dice di solito zucchini; nell'inglese britannico è più comune courgette.
🇵🇹 No inglês americano, normalmente se diz zucchini; no inglês britânico, courgette é mais comum.
recognizing an important regional vocabulary difference
Show translations
🇪🇸 En inglés estadounidense normalmente se dice zucchini; en inglés británico, courgette es más común.🇫🇷 En anglais américain, on dit généralement zucchini ; en anglais britannique, courgette est plus courant.
🇩🇪 Im amerikanischen Englisch sagt man normalerweise zucchini; im britischen Englisch ist courgette üblicher.
🇮🇹 Nell'inglese americano si dice di solito zucchini; nell'inglese britannico è più comune courgette.
🇵🇹 No inglês americano, normalmente se diz zucchini; no inglês britânico, courgette é mais comum.
🍆 Eggplant and aubergine are two English names for the same vegetable.
understanding another major American-British vocabulary difference
🇫🇷 Eggplant et aubergine sont deux noms anglais pour le même légume.
🇩🇪 Eggplant und aubergine sind zwei englische Wörter für dasselbe Gemüse.
🇮🇹 Eggplant e aubergine sono due nomi inglesi per la stessa verdura.
🇵🇹 Eggplant e aubergine são dois nomes em inglês para o mesmo vegetal.
understanding another major American-British vocabulary difference
Show translations
🇪🇸 Eggplant y aubergine son dos nombres en inglés para la misma verdura.🇫🇷 Eggplant et aubergine sont deux noms anglais pour le même légume.
🇩🇪 Eggplant und aubergine sind zwei englische Wörter für dasselbe Gemüse.
🇮🇹 Eggplant e aubergine sono due nomi inglesi per la stessa verdura.
🇵🇹 Eggplant e aubergine são dois nomes em inglês para o mesmo vegetal.
🍅 Tomatoes are botanically fruits, but people usually treat them as vegetables in cooking.
distinguishing botanical classification from everyday culinary vocabulary
🇫🇷 Botaniquement, les tomates sont des fruits, mais on les considère généralement comme des légumes en cuisine.
🇩🇪 Botanisch gesehen sind Tomaten Früchte, aber beim Kochen behandelt man sie normalerweise als Gemüse.
🇮🇹 Botanicamente, i pomodori sono frutti, ma in cucina vengono normalmente trattati come verdure.
🇵🇹 Botanicamente, os tomates são frutos, mas normalmente são tratados como vegetais na culinária.
distinguishing botanical classification from everyday culinary vocabulary
Show translations
🇪🇸 Botánicamente, los tomates son frutas, pero normalmente se tratan como verduras en la cocina.🇫🇷 Botaniquement, les tomates sont des fruits, mais on les considère généralement comme des légumes en cuisine.
🇩🇪 Botanisch gesehen sind Tomaten Früchte, aber beim Kochen behandelt man sie normalerweise als Gemüse.
🇮🇹 Botanicamente, i pomodori sono frutti, ma in cucina vengono normalmente trattati come verdure.
🇵🇹 Botanicamente, os tomates são frutos, mas normalmente são tratados como vegetais na culinária.
🤍 Jicama is often eaten raw, while cassava needs proper preparation and cooking.
distinguishing two pale root vegetables by texture and typical preparation
🇫🇷 Le jicama se mange souvent cru, tandis que le manioc nécessite une préparation et une cuisson appropriées.
🇩🇪 Jicama wird oft roh gegessen, während Maniok richtig vorbereitet und gekocht werden muss.
🇮🇹 La jicama viene spesso mangiata cruda, mentre la manioca richiede una preparazione e una cottura adeguate.
🇵🇹 A jicama costuma ser consumida crua, enquanto a mandioca precisa de preparo e cozimento adequados.
distinguishing two pale root vegetables by texture and typical preparation
Show translations
🇪🇸 La jícama suele comerse cruda, mientras que la yuca necesita una preparación y cocción adecuadas.🇫🇷 Le jicama se mange souvent cru, tandis que le manioc nécessite une préparation et une cuisson appropriées.
🇩🇪 Jicama wird oft roh gegessen, während Maniok richtig vorbereitet und gekocht werden muss.
🇮🇹 La jicama viene spesso mangiata cruda, mentre la manioca richiede una preparazione e una cottura adeguate.
🇵🇹 A jicama costuma ser consumida crua, enquanto a mandioca precisa de preparo e cozimento adequados.
🏆 Final Practice
English in the Real World:
Imagine you are shopping for vegetables, reading a recipe, or ordering food. Choose the vegetable that best matches the description, cooking method, regional name, texture, or plant part.
Imagine you are shopping for vegetables, reading a recipe, or ordering food. Choose the vegetable that best matches the description, cooking method, regional name, texture, or plant part.
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