Purple vegetable are not only colorful and attractive, but also rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can boost your health and prevent diseases. In this article, you will learn how to grow and cook purple vegetable, as well as the benefits of eating them regularly.

What are Purple Vegetables?

Purple vegetable are any edible plants that have a purple color in some or all of their parts, such as leaves, stems, roots, flowers, or fruits. The purple color is caused by a natural pigment called anthocyanin, which is also found in other foods like berries, grapes, and red cabbage.

Anthocyanin is a type of flavonoid, which is a group of phytochemicals that have various health benefits. Flavonoids are responsible for the colors, flavors, and aromas of many fruits and vegetables. They also act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and modulators of cellular functions.

Purple vegetables list

Purple cauliflower

Purple cabbage

Purple carrots

Purple potatoes

Purple kale

Purple asparagus

Purple broccoli

Purple eggplant

Purple onions

Purple artichokes

Purple beans

Purple corn

Purple Vegetable	Description
Purple Potatoes	Striking purple tubers rich in antioxidants.
Purple Kale	Nutrient-rich leafy greens with a unique flavor.
Purple Carrots	Sweet and earthy carrots with a vibrant color.
Purple Cauliflower	Colorful variant of cauliflower packed with antioxidants.
Purple Sweet Potatoes	Delicious and nutritious sweet potatoes with a purple hue.
Purple Asparagus	Visually appealing asparagus with a slightly sweeter taste.
Purple Cabbage	Crunchy cabbage with a wealth of vitamins and fiber.
Purple Brussels Sprouts	Miniature cabbages that are nutrient-dense.
Purple Bell Peppers	Colorful and nutritious bell peppers rich in vitamins.
Purple Beans	Vibrant purple string beans, a colorful choice for your dishes.

Why are Purple Vegetables Good for You?

Purple vegetable have many health benefits, thanks to their high content of anthocyanins and other phytochemicals. Here are some of the reasons why you should include purple vegetable in your diet:

• They protect your cells from oxidative stress and damage. Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm your DNA, proteins, and lipids. Free radicals are generated by various factors, such as pollution, smoking, alcohol, UV rays, inflammation, and aging. Antioxidants like anthocyanins can neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing harm.

• They reduce inflammation and chronic diseases. Inflammation is a natural response of your immune system to fight infections and injuries. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Anthocyanins can modulate the production of inflammatory molecules and enzymes, such as cytokines, prostaglandins, and COX-2.

• They improve your blood circulation and lower your blood pressure. Anthocyanins can relax and dilate your blood vessels, which improves your blood flow and reduces your blood pressure. This can lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Anthocyanins can also prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), which can cause plaque buildup in your arteries.

• They enhance your brain function and memory. Anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach your brain cells. There, they can protect your neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation. They can also modulate the activity of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which affect your mood, cognition, and behavior. Anthocyanins can also improve your learning and memory by stimulating the growth of new brain cells and synapses.

• They support your eye health and vision. Anthocyanins can protect your eyes from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by UV rays, blue light, or diabetes. They can also improve your night vision by regenerating a pigment called rhodopsin in your retina. Rhodopsin is responsible for converting light into electrical signals that are sent to your brain.

How to Grow Purple Vegetables?

Growing purple vegetable is not very different from growing other types of vegetables. You just need to follow some basic steps:

Choose the right seeds or seedlings

You can buy purple vegetable seeds or seedlings from online or local nurseries or garden centers. Make sure they are organic and non-GMO (genetically modified organisms). You can also save seeds from purple vegetable that you buy or grow yourself.

Prepare the soil

You need to have a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. You can add compost or manure to improve the soil quality and fertility. You can also use mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Plant the seeds or seedlings

You need to follow the instructions on the seed packets or seedling labels for the best time to plant them according to your climate zone. You also need to space them properly according to their size and growth habit. Generally, you need to plant them at least 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 inches apart.

Water and fertilize them regularly

You need to water your purple vegetable deeply and evenly once or twice a week depending on the weather and soil conditions. You can use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to avoid wetting the leaves and causing diseases. You also need to fertilize them every two weeks with an organic fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium.

Harvest them at the right time

You need to harvest your purple vegetable when they are mature and have the best flavor and color. You can use a sharp knife or scissors to cut them from the plant. You can also pull them gently from the soil if they have roots. You need to store them in a cool and dry place or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.

How to Cook Purple Vegetable?

Cooking purple vegetable is not very different from cooking other types of vegetables. You just need to follow some basic tips:

Wash and trim them

You need to wash your purple vegetable thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or insects. You also need to trim any stems, leaves, or roots that are not edible or desirable.

Cut them into bite-sized pieces

You need to cut your purple vegetable into uniform pieces that are easy to eat and cook evenly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut them into slices, cubes, wedges, or sticks.

Cook them with the right method

You need to choose the best cooking method for your purple vegetable according to their texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Some of the most common methods are:

Steaming

This is a gentle and quick method that preserves the color, flavor, and nutrients of your purple vegetable. You just need to place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover with a lid. You can steam them for 5 to 15 minutes depending on their size and tenderness.

Roasting

This is a simple and delicious method that caramelizes the natural sugars of your purple vegetables and enhances their flavor. You just need to toss them with some oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 to 40 minutes depending on their size and crispiness.

Sautéing

This is a fast and easy method that adds some browning and crispiness to your purple vegetable. You just need to heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your purple vegetable in a single layer. You can sauté them for 10 to 20 minutes depending on their size and softness, stirring occasionally.

Boiling

This is a traditional and convenient method that cooks your purple vegetable in water or broth. You just need to bring a large pot of water or broth to a boil and add your purple vegetable. You can boil them for 10 to 30 minutes depending on their size and firmness, draining them when done.

Season them with the right spices

You need to add some flavor and aroma to your purple vegetables with some spices that complement their color and taste. Some of the most common spices are:

Garlic: This is a versatile and pungent spice that adds a savory and spicy touch to your purple vegetable. You can use fresh or minced garlic cloves or garlic powder according to your preference.

Thyme: This is a fragrant and earthy herb that pairs well with many purple vegetable, especially root ones. You can use fresh or dried thyme leaves or thyme oil according to your convenience.

Rosemary: This is an aromatic and woody herb that enhances the flavor of many purple vegetable, especially leafy ones. You can use fresh or dried rosemary sprigs or rosemary oil according to your availability.

Lemon: This is a zesty and refreshing citrus fruit that brightens up the flavor of your purple vegetable. You can use fresh or bottled lemon juice or lemon zest according to your taste.

Conclusion

In the world of nutrition, purple vegetables are like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Their stunning colors and rich nutrient profiles make them a must-try addition to your diet. From enhancing brain health to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, these veggies offer a spectrum of benefits. So, why not embrace the purple revolution on your plate and savor the goodness of nature’s nutrient-rich delight?

FAQs About Purple Vegetables