35 Vegetables that Start with R You Should Know About

Vegetables, starting with the letter “R,” offer a fascinating variety of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.

From the peppery bite of radishes to the sweet juiciness of red bell peppers, this group includes well-known staples and more exotic varieties that improve any meal.

Each vegetable brings its culinary uses, making them versatile additions to salads, soups, stews, and more.

They are vital for a balanced diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

The following guide plunges into the specifics of the 15 most common R vegetables, exploring their nutritional profiles, best culinary uses, ideal growing conditions, and fun facts to enhance your kitchen knowledge.

This blog also includes an extended list of 20 additional vegetables with R, for a total of 35 vegetables with R covered here.

15 Most Common Vegetables Starting with R

1. Radish

Radishes are crisp, pungent root vegetables often enjoyed for their peppery flavor. They come in various colors, including red, white, and purple.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
High in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.	It is eaten raw in salads, pickled, or as a garnish.	It grows best in cool climates and requires well-drained soil.

Fun Fact: Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, some maturing in just three weeks.

2. Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is known for its vibrant color and slightly peppery flavor. It is denser and has tougher leaves compared to green cabbage.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
Rich in vitamins C and K and anthocyanins.	Used in salads, coleslaw, and as a cooked side dish.	Prefers well-drained, fertile soil and cooler weather.

Fun Fact: Red cabbage changes color based on the soil’s pH value; it turns more purple in acidic conditions.

3. Red Potato

Red potatoes have a smooth, thin skin and creamy texture, making them excellent for various culinary uses. They maintain their shape well after cooking.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.	It is ideal for roasting, mashing, and salads.	Thrives in cool, well-drained soil and moderate climates.

Fun Fact: Red potatoes are often used in dishes that require potatoes to hold their shape because they are low in starch.

4. Rutabaga

Rutabaga is a root vegetable that tastes somewhat sweet and mildly peppery. It is larger than a turnip and has a pale yellow interior.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
High in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.	Commonly roasted, mashed, or added to casseroles.	Requires cold weather to develop sweetness and prefers well-drained soil.

Fun Fact: Rutabaga is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip.

5. Romaine Lettuce

Romaine lettuce is a common salad green with long, dark leaves and a crisp texture. It is more heat-tolerant than other lettuce varieties.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
Rich in vitamins A, K, and folate.	Essential for Caesar salads and wraps.	It grows best in cooler temperatures but can tolerate some heat.

Fun Fact: Romaine lettuce was aboard the Titanic and survived, making it historically known as ‘Titanic lettuce.’

6. Red Onion

Red onions are mild and sweet, making them perfect for raw consumption. They add a burst of color and sharpness to dishes.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
It contains antioxidants and compounds that promote heart health.	They are used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.	Prefers loose soil, adequate moisture, and full sun.

Fun Fact: Red onions turn blue when cooked in a reaction with alkaline ingredients.

7. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a vegetable often treated as a fruit in culinary practices. It has long, red stalks and large leaves (which are toxic).

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
It is a good vitamin K, calcium, and dietary fiber source.	It is commonly used in pies, jams, and desserts.	Prefers cold climates and well-drained, fertile soil.

Fun Fact: Rhubarb can be a perennial in some climates, producing for up to 10 years.

8. Red Bell Pepper

Red bell peppers are sweet and juicy, and they are often used to add color and flavor to dishes. They are simply mature green bell peppers.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
High in vitamins C and A and antioxidants.	It is eaten raw, roasted, or stuffed.	It requires warm weather and well-drained soil.

Fun Fact: Red bell peppers have more than twice the vitamin C of a green bell pepper.

9. Rocket (Arugula)

Rocket, or arugula, is a peppery, leafy green often used in salads. It has a distinctive, sharp flavor and small, tender leaves.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
High in calcium, potassium, and folate.	Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and as a pizza topping.	Grows best in cool conditions and fertile soil.

Fun Fact: In ancient times, arugula was also used as an aphrodisiac.

10. Red Chili Pepper

Red chili peppers are hot and pungent, used to add spice and heat to dishes. They vary greatly in size and heat intensity.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
Rich in vitamins C and A and capsaicin.	They are used to make sauces, salsas, and for seasoning.	Needs warm weather and well-drained soil.

Fun Fact: Capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat, is used in topical creams for pain relief.

11. Red Leaf Lettuce

Red leaf lettuce has a burgundy tint and mild, sweet leaves. It is less crisp than romaine but offers a tender texture.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
Low in calories and high in vitamins A and K.	Ideal for salads and sandwiches.	Prefers cool weather and moist, fertile soil.

Fun Fact: Red leaf lettuce is one of the most delicate varieties, wilting quickly after harvest.

12. Red Beet

Red beets are earthy and sweet and are known for their deep red color. They are both edible in their root and greens.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
Loaded with fiber, folate, and manganese.	It is roasted, pickled, or juiced.	Grows well in cool temperatures and requires loamy soil.

Fun Fact: Beetroot juice can improve athletic performance by increasing blood flow.

13. Romanesco Broccoli

Romanesco broccoli is known for its natural fractal pattern and chartreuse color. It has a nuttier, crunchier texture than traditional broccoli.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and carotenoids.	It can be eaten raw, steamed, or roasted.	Prefers cooler climates and nutrient-rich soil.

Fun Fact: Romanesco’s intricate spiral pattern naturally represents a mathematical fractal.

14. Radicchio

Radicchio is known for its striking purple leaves and bitter and spicy taste. It is often used to add color and zest to salads.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
High in antioxidants, vitamins C and K.	It is common in raw salads, grilled, or as a pizza topping.	It thrives in cool climates and requires well-drained soil.

Fun Fact: Radicchio is also called Italian chicory because of its common use in Italian cuisine.

15. Runner Beans

Runner beans are long, flat green beans that are eaten both as pods and seeds. They have a slightly sweet flavor and tender texture.

Nutritional Benefits	Culinary Uses	Growing Conditions
It is a good source of vitamin K, fiber, and folate.	Cooked in stews, stir-fries, or steamed as a side dish.	It requires warm, moist conditions and a trellis to climb.

Fun Fact: Runner beans are known for improving soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.

20 Additional Vegetables that Start with R

16. Red Kuri Squash
17. Roman Beans
18. Red Lentils
19. Radish Greens
20. Red Swiss Chard
21. Red Endive
22. Red Bok Choy
23. Rattlesnake Beans
24. Red Norland Potatoes
25. Rapini (Broccoli Rabe)
26. Red Mustard Greens
27. Red Kohlrabi
28. Red Amaranth
29. Red Turnip
30. Red Okra
31. Red Acorn Squash
32. Red Yardlong Beans
33. Rampion
34. Rossa Lunga di Tropea (Italian red onion)
35. Rattail Radish (edible radish pods)

Summing Up

Have you ever considered the diversity of vegetables that start with R? From radishes to runner beans, each offers flavors and nutritional benefits that can enhance your diet.

Adding these vegetables into your meals adds variety and contributes essential nutrients that promote health.

The possibilities are endless, whether you’re roasting red potatoes, adding rocket to your salads, or experimenting with Romanesco broccoli.

As you explore these options, enjoy the vibrant colors, textures, and tastes they bring to your table while benefiting from their rich vitamin and mineral content.

Happy eating!