The letter “N” is one of the most unused letters when it comes to food. It can be challenging to think of vegetables that start with this letter. This article has you covered. Here are some of the best vegetables that begin with the letter “N” and where to find them.
Table of Contents
Napa Cabbage
Napa cabbage comes from China, and it is one of the world’s most recognizable vegetables. It has a wide variety of uses in soups, stews, stir-fries, baking, and more. Napa cabbage has a slightly sweet taste with a crunchy texture. Due to its popularity, Napa Cabbage is simple to find in supermarkets and farmer’s markets worldwide.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium refers to a species of edible plant from South and Central America. Nasturtium features in salads and stir-fries, and its flavor profile is similar to watercress. Nasturtium has other uses, such as pest control and herbal medicine. The plant does not grow outside Central and South America, so it may be challenging to find Nasturtium outside the areas mentioned above.
The humble navy bean is a white bean that comes from the Americas. It was named in the 1800s by the American navy, which served it to the sailors. The beans appear in soups, stews, baked beans, pies and are a good substitute for beans in other recipes. Outside of the Americas, the beans are well-known in Australia and are a staple in that nation. The beans played an essential role in the second world war, as they fed Australian and American soldiers during their battles across the Pacific Ocean.
Neem
The Neem tree is native to India and Sub-Saharan Africa, and its produce comes in the form of flowers and the shoots of the tree. Neem is featured in many rice dishes and soups in India, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. The flavor of Neem is bitter, making it an acquired taste. Outside of its culinary uses, Neem has various medicinal, pest control, and textile uses. Those looking to try Neem but cannot travel to these parts of the world can purchase a Neem sapling and grow it to enjoy the taste of this exotic vegetable.
Neep
Neep is the Scottish name for rutabaga or swedes, a member of the turnip family used as a starchy vegetable in many dishes. They are eaten across Europe, with different countries preparing it in various ways, such as mashed, as part of a pie, or as the vegetable component of the main course. Neeps are not widely consumed outside of Europe, but they are enjoyed in Canada and the United States as a winter vegetable. They are prepared using the same methods as other starchy vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, and cassava.
Nettles
Nettles are also known as stinging nettles due to the stinging hairs found on the plant. They are found worldwide and used in many recipes ranging from salads, teas, stir-fries, soups, and more. Nettles have broad historical uses, ranging from cheese preservation or as an ingredient in making ale. Outside of culinary uses, nettles appear in textiles and medicine. Foragers can find nettles out in the wild and should be wary of the stinging hairs, which can cause inflammation and itching. Nettles are available worldwide, making them accessible to most people.
New Potato
New potatoes refer to freshly dug potatoes and haven’t been through a curing process that allows them to last longer without perishing. As a result of not having this process, new potatoes are sweeter and have more flavor than standard potatoes. New potatoes are available anywhere potatoes are grown and sold. Traditional supermarkets may not carry them due to their short shelf-life, but farmer’s markets and individual farms may sell them when they’re in season. New potatoes can be used to make any potato dish, offering a fresh taste to those who try them.
New Zealand Spinach
New Zealand spinach refers to a species of green leafy vegetable native to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand that is now grown in other nations worldwide. It may have different names depending on where it is found, such as Cook’s Cabbage, Sea Spinach, and Tetragon. New Zealand spinach carries a similar flavor profile to regular spinach and has much of its same uses.
Nopals
Nopals are the leaves of the cactus plant. They are a staple in Mexican cuisine and appear in dishes in the southwestern United States and northern parts of Guatemala. Nopals may be eaten raw, and they feature in everything from stir-fries, salads, soups, stews, rice dishes, toppings for tacos, or as an ingredient in salsas. Nopals taste similar to string beans and asparagus. They have a high nutritional benefit, with high levels of magnesium, vitamin C, and calcium. Outside of the areas mentioned earlier, nopals are not readily available, making nopals a great food to try while traveling.
Nori
Nori refers to Japanese dried seaweed. It is a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine and can be purchased all over Japan. Nori appears in sushi, rice dishes, soups, stews, and stir-fries but is also a snack food purchased in chip form. Nori has a salty and savory flavor. Japanese restaurants may feature it in their recipes outside of Japan. Nori chips are available in many Asian specialty markets. The best way to experience nori is to travel to Japan and try the available varieties.
Conclusions
Now that you know about some of the best vegetables that start with “N,” nothing is stopping you from going out and enjoying them. This article is not a definitive list of vegetables that begin with “N,” as there may be more out there to try and discover. But now you should have excellent ideas for your following travel plans or new dishes to cook.