Did you know that these vegetables grow like this?
Whether you buy your vegetables at the supermarket or the farmers’ market, they’re ready to eat. But what do they actually look like before they end up on the shelves? Did you know that these vegetables grow like this?
Belgian endive
If you thought that Belgian endive heads grow from Belgian endive seeds, you’re mistaken. The seeds grow Belgian endive roots, and those roots then produce the white heads. My favorite Belgian endive recipe at the moment (well, actually for years now!): classic gratinated Belgian endive à la Grandma Annie.
Brussels sprouts
Although Brussels sprouts belong to the cabbage family, they don’t grow close to the ground. Instead, the sprouts grow upward from the ground on a stalk, where they ‘sprout’ as edible buds. My favorite Brussels sprouts recipe at the moment: deep-fried Brussels sprouts!
Artichoke
An artichoke is actually a flower; the part we eat is the bud. My favorite artichoke recipe at the moment comes from Provence: socca with artichokes.
Broccoli
Broccoli is also a flower; unlike with artichokes, you don’t eat the bud here, but the actual flower itself. My favorite broccoli recipe at the moment: broccoli and spinach soup by Yvette van Boven.
Eggplants
You may have expected eggplants to grow on bushes, but did you also know that this technically makes them berries? (Just like bell peppers, chili peppers, avocados, grapes and guavas, by the way.) My favorite eggplant recipe at the moment: Middle Eastern eggplant fatteh.
Leeks
Did you know that leeks are biennial crops, and that in their second year, charming white and purple flowers grow from them, after which they produce seeds? My favorite leek recipe at the moment: cod with leek mash, beurre blanc sauce and toasted mustard by Michelin-starred chef Jonathan Zandbergen.
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