Welcome to our exciting trip through vegetables that start with the letter B! Vegetables are nature’s powerhouses of health, and those beginning with B are especially interesting.
In our guide, you’ll find vegetables like baby carrots, baby corn, and bamboo shoots. We’ll also explore baked versions of many vegetables, which make them even tastier!
Did you know that ball cabbage and banana peppers are also in this group? Each vegetable has its own special story—where it comes from, what makes it good for your body, and how to keep it fresh.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just curious about different foods, these B vegetables will add color, flavor, and nutrition to your meals. Let’s uncover these wonderful vegetables together!
The Bounty of B: Veggies and Their Secrets to Better Health
1. Baby carrots
Origin: Originated in the Middle East, now cultivated globally.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immune function.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel for freshness.
2. Baby corn
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, widely grown in tropical climates.
Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C.
Storage Tips: Keep in a cool, dry place or refrigerate in an airtight container.
3. Baby fennel
Origin: Originated in the Mediterranean region.
Nutritional Benefit: A good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in a perforated bag to maintain freshness.
4. Baby peas
Origin: Believed to be native to the Mediterranean and Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and vitamin C, supports immunity and digestion.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate fresh peas in a moisture-proof bag, can be frozen for long-term storage.
5. Baby spinach
Origin: A variety of spinach originating from ancient Persia, widely cultivated.
Nutritional Benefit: Packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool place or refrigerator in a sealed container to prevent wilting.
6. Baby squash
Origin: Native to North America, part of the gourd family.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains vitamins A and C, aids in skin health and immunity.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate if cut or peeled.
7. Bait seed
Origin: Seeds used in agriculture, typically for attracting fish or wildlife.
Nutritional Benefit: Depends on the type of seed (e.g., sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E).
Storage Tips: Keep in a dry, cool area, away from moisture to prevent sprouting.
8. Baked asparagus
Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, now cultivated worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of folate, fiber, and vitamin K.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, or wrap in damp paper towels for freshness.
9. Baked bean sprouts
Origin: Originated in East Asia, widely grown for culinary use.
Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, beneficial for digestion.
Storage Tips: Store in the fridge in a sealed container; use within a few days for freshness.
10. Baked beans
Origin: Originated in the Americas, commonly prepared with legumes like kidney beans.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber and protein, supports heart health and digestive function.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within a week.
11. Baked Brussels
Origin: Native to Brussels, Belgium, now grown worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins C and K, supports bone health and immunity.
Storage Tips: Keep in the fridge in a moisture-proof bag for freshness.
12. Baked Brussels sprout chips
Origin: A variation of Brussels sprouts, commonly made as a snack.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber and antioxidants, promotes heart health.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
13. Baked Brussels sprouts
Origin: Originally from Belgium, now grown in cooler climates.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamin C, and folate.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
14. Baked cauliflower
Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region, now grown globally.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins C and K, supports skin health and immunity.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container for freshness.
15. Baked cauliflower florets
Origin: A variety of cauliflower used in many dishes.
Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C.
Storage Tips: Keep in the fridge, use within a week.
16. Baked cauliflower rice
Origin: A low-carb alternative to regular rice, made from cauliflower.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber and antioxidants, supports digestion.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, consume within 2-3 days.
17. Baked eggplant
Origin: Native to India and Southeast Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Storage Tips: Keep in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after cutting.
18. Baked garlic
Origin: Thought to have originated in Central Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: Known for its antibacterial properties, supports immune health.
Storage Tips: Store in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight.
19. Baked green beans
Origin: Native to Central and South America.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamins A and C, and folate.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
20. Baked kale chips
Origin: Kale is native to the Mediterranean region.
Nutritional Benefit: High in calcium, vitamins A, C, and K.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
21. Baked mushroom
Origin: Cultivated worldwide, originally from Europe.
Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, a good source of vitamin D and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in a paper bag for up to a week.
22. Baked okra
Origin: Native to Africa and Southeast Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in a paper bag to maintain freshness.
23. Baked parsnip fries
Origin: Native to Eurasia, widely cultivated in temperate regions.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and potassium.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate if cooked.
24. Baked parsnips
Origin: Native to Europe and Western Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate.
Storage Tips: Keep in a cool, dry place or refrigerate if peeled.
25. Baked pea pods
Origin: Thought to be native to the Mediterranean and Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fiber, protein, and vitamin C.
Storage Tips: Store in a moisture-proof bag in the fridge.
26. Baked potato
Origin: Native to the Andes region of South America.
Nutritional Benefit: Good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dark place for up to a month.
27. Baked potato salad
Origin: Developed in Europe, popular worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate and consume within 3 days.
28. Baked potato wedges
Origin: Native to South America, now cultivated worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber and vitamin C, supports digestive health.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate after baking and consume within 2-3 days.
29. Baked squash
Origin: Native to the Americas, widely cultivated.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamins A and C, supports immunity and eye health.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after cutting.
30. Baked sweet corn
Origin: Native to the Americas, particularly Central America.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fiber, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container or freeze for long-term storage.
31. Baked sweet potato
Origin: Native to Central and South America.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.
32. Baked sweet potato fries
Origin: Native to Central and South America.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate after baking and consume within 3 days.
33. Baked sweet potatoes
Origin: Native to Central and South America.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin A, C, and fiber.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
34. Baked tomatoes
Origin: Native to western South America, now grown worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, but allow to come to room temperature before use.
35. Baked yam
Origin: Native to West Africa, widely grown in tropical regions.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to 2 weeks.
36. Baked zucchini
Origin: Native to Mesoamerica, now cultivated worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in a moisture-proof bag.
37. Baked zucchini fries
Origin: Native to Mesoamerica, now cultivated globally.
Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
38. Ball cabbage
Origin: Native to Europe, widely cultivated.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Keep in the fridge, use within a week.
39. Ball head cabbage
Origin: Native to Europe, now grown globally.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
40. Balsam pear
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, widely cultivated in tropical climates.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains vitamins C and K, helps lower blood sugar levels.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in a perforated bag.
41. Balsamic marinated vegetables
Origin: Originated in Italy, typically used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Nutritional Benefit: High in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
42. Bamboo fungus
Origin: Native to East Asia, commonly found in bamboo forests.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in dietary fiber, promotes gut health.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate if dried.
43. Bamboo fungus soup
Origin: Originated in East Asia, commonly used in soups and stews.
Nutritional Benefit: Supports immune health and digestion.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, consume within a week.
44. Bamboo shoots
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, widely cultivated in tropical regions.
Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in fiber and potassium.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
45. Banana flower
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, commonly used in Thai and Indian cuisines.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants, supports heart health.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
46. Banana pepper
Origin: Native to Central and South America, now grown worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin C, aids in digestion.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in a sealed bag.
47. Banana squash
Origin: Native to North America, a variety of winter squash.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins A and C, supports immunity.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after cutting.
48. Barbecue vegetables
Origin: Commonly used in American barbecue cuisine.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
49. Barbecued mushrooms
Origin: Mushrooms are native to Europe and North America.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, and fiber.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in a paper bag for freshness.
50. Barley
Origin: Native to the Middle East, one of the oldest cultivated grains.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, protein, and essential minerals.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
51. Barley sprout
Origin: Native to the Middle East, used in various cuisines.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Keep in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after sprouting.
52. Basil
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin K, supports anti-inflammatory functions.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container or jar.
53. Basil flowers
Origin: Grown alongside basil plants, native to Southeast Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants, supports digestion.
Storage Tips: Keep in the refrigerator, use within a few days.
54. Basil pesto
Origin: A traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil.
Nutritional Benefit: High in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamin K.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
55. Basil vinaigrette
Origin: A Mediterranean-inspired salad dressing made with basil and olive oil.
Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy fats and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate for up to 7 days.
56. Basil-based salad
Origin: Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, often with basil as the key ingredient.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamins A, K, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the fridge, best consumed fresh.
57. Bay leaf
Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, often used in cooking and herbal medicine.
Nutritional Benefit: Known for digestive health benefits, aids in metabolism.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
58. Bean curd
Origin: Also known as tofu, originated in China, used in East Asian cuisine.
Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, low in calories, and rich in iron.
Storage Tips: Keep in water in the refrigerator and change the water daily.
59. Bean pods
Origin: Native to Africa, now widely grown in temperate regions.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamins, and protein.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate fresh pods in a sealed bag.
60. Bean sprout salad
Origin: A traditional dish in East Asia, particularly in Korean cuisine.
Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, vitamins A, C, and fiber.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, best eaten fresh.
61. Bean sprout stir-fry
Origin: Originates in East Asia, widely used in stir-fried dishes.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
62. Bean sprouts
Origin: Common in East Asia, sprouted from various beans such as mung beans.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin C, fiber, and protein.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in a sealed container for freshness.
63. Bean sprouts stir-fry
Origin: A popular stir-fry dish in East Asia, especially in Chinese and Thai cuisine.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
64. Bean stalk
Origin: The stem of the bean plant, native to Central and South America.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container after harvesting.
65. Bean stew
Origin: A traditional dish in many cultures, made with beans and vegetables.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
66. Beans
Origin: Originated in the Americas, now grown worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, fiber, and iron.
Storage Tips: Store dry beans in a cool, dry place; refrigerate cooked beans.
67. Beet chips
Origin: Made from sliced beets, native to the Mediterranean region.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, antioxidants, and potassium.
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container, best consumed within a week.
68. Beet greens
Origin: The leafy tops of beetroot, originating from the Mediterranean.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins A and K, supports bone health.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
69. Beet stems
Origin: The stems of beetroot, native to the Mediterranean region.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, consume within a few days.
70. Beetroot
Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, widely cultivated for its root and leaves.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in folate, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Keep in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after cutting.
71. Beetroot chips
Origin: A variation of beetroot, commonly baked or fried for snacking.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container, consume within 1 week for best freshness.
72. Beetroot hummus
Origin: A Mediterranean dish made from pureed beetroot, chickpeas, and tahini.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, folate, and iron.
Storage Tips: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
73. Beetroot salad
Origin: A classic Mediterranean dish, often paired with feta or other ingredients.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and folate.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
74. Beets
Origin: Originating from the Mediterranean region, now widely grown.
Nutritional Benefit: High in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate after cutting.
75. Belgian endive
Origin: Native to Belgium, commonly used in salads and appetizers.
Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in fiber and folate.
Storage Tips: Store in the fridge in a sealed bag for up to a week.
76. Bell pepper
Origin: Native to Central and South America, now grown worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamins A and C, supports immunity.
Storage Tips: Keep in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 1 week.
77. Big carrots
Origin: Grown worldwide, believed to have originated in Persia.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator, ideally in a plastic bag.
78. Big onions
Origin: Native to Central Asia, now grown worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants, supports heart health.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
79. Big-leaf sage
Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants, supports digestive health.
Storage Tips: Keep in a cool, dry place or refrigerate after cutting.
80. Bigeye beans
Origin: Cultivated primarily in tropical regions, native to Africa.
Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
Storage Tips: Store in a dry, cool place or refrigerate after cooking.
81. Bitter bush
Origin: Native to tropical regions of Africa.
Nutritional Benefit: Used in traditional medicine, supports digestion.
Storage Tips: Keep in a cool, dry place, best used fresh.
82. Bitter gourd
Origin: Native to Asia, now grown in tropical regions worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin C, helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
83. Bitter melon stir-fry
Origin: Popular in Southeast Asia and East Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: High in antioxidants, helps lower blood sugar.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate after cooking, consume within 3 days.
84. Bittermelon
Origin: Native to Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains vitamin C and iron, beneficial for immune health.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
85. Black beans
Origin: Native to the Americas, widely cultivated in temperate regions.
Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, fiber, and iron.
Storage Tips: Store dried beans in a cool, dry place; refrigerate cooked beans.
86. Black cherry tomato
Origin: A variety of tomato, originating from the Mediterranean.
Nutritional Benefit: High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool place, or refrigerate if cut.
87. Black currants
Origin: Native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate fresh currants, best consumed within a few days.
88. Black garlic
Origin: Aged garlic, traditionally from Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants, helps improve immune function.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after opening.
89. Black garlic cloves
Origin: Aged garlic, primarily from Southeast Asia.
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and compounds that improve heart health.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place, refrigerate after opening.
90. Black olives
Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region, now grown worldwide.
Nutritional Benefit: High in healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Summing It Up
From broccoli’s brilliant green florets to beets’ earthy sweetness, B vegetables bring both beauty and bounty to our plates.
These botanical powerhouses pack a nutritional punch while offering incredible versatility in the kitchen.
If you’re biting into the crisp freshness of bok choy, savoring the nutty richness of butternut squash, or adopting the distinctive flavor of Brussels sprouts, the B team of vegetables delivers delicious diversity.
Bell peppers brighten dishes with their vibrant colors, while beans provide plant-based protein in countless varieties.
These botanical treasures remind us that some of nature’s most beneficial foods begin with just one letter: B.
