leaf vegetable
Salad bowl contents
A leaf vegetable is any plant whose leaves are eaten as food, either raw or cooked.
Common examples include lettuce, spinach, kale, and cabbage.
The term distinguishes these from root vegetables, where the underground portion is eaten, or fruiting vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
Leaf vegetables are often called greens or leafy greens, especially when served cooked or in salads.
Leafy salad vegetable
- spinachEdible dark green leaves
- kaleLoose-leafed cabbage relative
- arugulaPeppery Mediterranean salad green
- chardLeafy green, colorful stems
cabbage · collards · romaine · endive · radicchio · watercress · bok choy · mustard greens
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
- ironElement twenty-six
calcium · folate · vitamin K · vitamin C · vitamin A · potassium · magnesium · phytonutrients
In original state
- saladCold dressed vegetables
- wiltedLimp from dehydration
- sautéedCooked quickly in fat
- braisedBrowned and simmered slowly
steamed · blanched · chopped · torn · dressed · washed · dried · massaged
Firm and breakable
- tenderSoft or sore
- crispyBrittle and snapping
- garden-freshNewly harvested and vibrant
- farm-to-tableDirect producer-to-diner philosophy
organic · harvested · wilted · bruised · perky · vibrant · unwilted · dewy
Cultivated plant area
- seedlingsNewly germinated plants
- harvestGathering mature crops
- soilGround matter for planting
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
cultivation · beds · bolting · shade-tolerant · cool-season · transplanting · thinning · cut-and-come-again
lettuce
Leafy salad vegetable
- spinachEdible dark green leaves
- kaleLoose-leafed cabbage relative
- arugulaPeppery Mediterranean salad green
chard · cabbage · collards · romaine · endive · radicchio · watercress · bok choy · mustard greens · turnip greens
vitamins
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
iron · calcium · folate · vitamin K · vitamin C · vitamin A · potassium · magnesium · phytonutrients · low-calorie
raw
In original state
braised · steamed · blanched · chopped · torn · dressed · washed · dried · massaged · juiced
crisp
Firm and breakable
- tenderSoft or sore
- crispyBrittle and snapping
- garden-freshNewly harvested and vibrant
farm-to-table · organic · harvested · wilted · bruised · perky · vibrant · unwilted · dewy · bright
garden
Cultivated plant area
compost · cultivation · beds · bolting · shade-tolerant · cool-season · transplanting · thinning · cut-and-come-again · container