By now, you are probably familiar with the incredible health benefits of vegetables. Easy on vegetables are attached to everything, prevent cancer to promote weight loss. However, many people find herbs “boring”. If you’ve ever used those words to describe the taste of vegetables, maybe it’s time for a change. There’s a whole new breed of exotic herbs out there just waiting to tempt your taste buds. An exotic vegetable may be just what you need to spice up your dinner. Here are some interesting choices to try:
exotic vegetable: Arracacha
This starchy root vegetable is a popular vegetable in South America, where it originated. It is sometimes known as the white carrot because of its appearance. Part of the root can be steamed, picked, roasted, so that the taste of this vegetable is known, which some say has a smoky taste between celery and cabbage. This exotic vegetable can be used in the same way that you now use boiled potatoes. It adds a lot of flavor when added to stew, pureed, or as a simple vegetable side dish. Don’t feel guilty because this vegetable is very healthy and measures in at only 100 calories per serving.
Exotic vegetable: Yuca
Yuca is another root vegetable of South America. Although it looks nondescript, even ugly, the external appearance belies the amazing versatility of the vegetable. Yuca really came into its own a few years ago when chefs discovered the amazing versatility of this vegetable, turning it into such creations as mashed, garlic yuca, yuca chips, a delicious gourmet soup, fritters, and even fried yuca. This tasty vegetable can be roasted, mashed, baked, deep fried, sautéed, or pan fried. Each 100 gram serving of this wonderful vegetable is only 100 calories.
Exotic vegetable: Fiddleheads
This unusual vegetable species is derived from ostrich ferns and is considered a delicacy in Maine. Its distinctive appearance comes from the way this vegetable has a ball of ferns at the end of the stem. Fiddleheads can be prepared by simply cleaning them and smoking them for fifteen to twenty minutes. Add a touch of garlic and melted butter, and you have a delicious sibi. Another popular use for fiddleheads is to preserve them and as a tasty addition to salads. This unusual vegetable is surprisingly low in calories with only 33 calories per serving.
exotic vegetable: Tamarillo
Since this so-called vegetable is technically a fruit, it is similar in appearance to a tomato. Native to South America, the tamarillo can be eaten by simply opening the fruit and scooping out the contents with a spoon. Like tomatoes, the tamarillo is quite versatile. A delicious healthy heart can make salsas and chutneys, sauces, stews, and adds a delicious decorative element to salads. Tamarillos also make nice sticks and can even be used as a dessert. When you add this fruit to your recipe, you will gain beta carotene and vitamin C as well. 40 calories for an average sized tamarillo.
The next time you’re at your local grocery store, look for these fresh additions to the vegetable market and enjoy the added flavor and health benefits
