Discover the 45+ Vegetables That Start With P

The term “vegetable” refers to the edible parts of plants, so the category exists only in relation to the humans and animals that eat them. Usually, we don’t eat the whole vegetable, just the parts that taste good and are nutritious. Likewise, when discovering this wonderful and varied world of edible plants, it’s best to consume them in digestible chunks. Here, we explore the wonderful vegetables that start with the letter P, the sweet sixteenth letter of the alphabet.

5 Most Munched Vegetables That Start With the Letter P

While fad diets will valorize certain vegetables, meats, or whatnot over others, it’s clear that there are no silver bullets when it comes to healthy eating. But it’s hard to argue against food journalist and author Michael Pollan’s advice to “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Along with meat, fruits, and fungus, plants have sustained us during our entire existence as a species. Let’s look at some of the superstars of the plant kingdom that start with P.

1. Parsley

A popular herb used for garnishing and flavoring many dishes, parsley has a fresh, slightly peppery taste. On top of that, it’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Mediterranean dishes like tabbouleh and South American ones like chimichurri sauce often use parsely. In Europe, it’s a key ingredient in persillade and the classic French seasoning blend known as fines herbes. Soups, stews, and sauces also use parsley to add color and fresh flavor. Whether used as a garnish or a main component of a sauce or salad, parsley’s vibrant green color and crisp taste make it a versatile addition to most meals.

2. Peas

These small, spherical seeds that are central to so many cuisines are quite rich in protein and fiber. They have a sweet and delicate flavor that pairs well with savory dishes. Soups such as split pea soup, salads like English pea salad, and side dishes like pea puree or minted peas often use peas. They’re also a key ingredient in traditional Indian dishes like matar paneer (“matar” being the Hindi word for “peas”) and in classic British dishes like mushy peas (just like it sounds).

3. Peppers

These beauties come in various colors and spice levels. Salads, stir-fries, and stuffed pepper dishes often use sweet and crunchy bell peppers. Chili peppers, ranging from mild to extremely hot (the hottest of the hot being Pepper X), add flavor and color to many dishes. Popular dishes like chili con carne, Thai curries, and Mexican salsas mostly use bell peppers. Jalapeños are a popular choice for poppers and pickling, while the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers is great in marinades and sauces.

4. Potatoes

It’s unlikely that there exists a human adult alive who has not tasted of the potato. Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the world. People know them for their starchy texture. Many enjoy poptatoes boiled, mashed, fried, or baked. They’re a rich source of carbohydrates and essential vitamins like vitamin C and B6. Common dishes include mashed potatoes, French fries, potato salads, baked potatoes, and hash browns. They’re also a core component in traditional dishes like Irish colcannon, Spanish tortilla, and Russian salad.

5. Pumpkins

A type of winter squash, pumpkins are popular year-round, not just during Halloween. They have a distinct, bright orange color and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene. People commonly use pumpkins in pies, especially during American Thanksgiving. You’ll also find them in soups like pumpkin bisque, in roasted dishes, and even in pastas like pumpkin ravioli. People also roast and eat pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, as a snack or use them as a garnish.

5 Obscure Vegetables That Start With the Letter P

Although not as well known as the veggies above, these puppies have been rocking regional cuisines around the world for centuries.

1. Palm Hearts

These tender cores of certain palm trees, like the peach palm, have a delicate flavor reminiscent of artichokes and a crisp texture. Salads, such as the Brazilian dish “salada de palmito,” and appetizers like ceviche often use palm hearts. You can also grill or sauté them as a side dish. Rich in fiber and low in fat, palm hearts are a nutritious addition to your plant-powered meal.

2. Papalo

Papalo, a Mexican herb, has a strong, unique flavor described as a mix between arugula, cilantro, and rue. Traditional Mexican dishes like salsas, tacos, tortas, and guacamole often use it as a garnish. Sometimes used as a cilantro substitute, papalo commonly adds a distinct flavor to Mexican street food.

3. Pennywort

Various Asian cuisines, particularly in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, use pennywort, also known as Gotu Kola, a medicinal herb with a mild, grassy flavor. It’s often an ingredient in salads like Sri Lankan “gotu kola sambol.” Pennywort is also popular as a drink, such as Indian pennywort juice or Vietnamese “nuoc rau ma,” known for its refreshing taste. Praised for its potential health benefits, including improving memory and reducing anxiety, pennywort is both a culinary and medicinal plant.

4. Peruvian Ground Apple

Also known as Yacón, this tuber has a sweet, crunchy texture like jicama or pear. People often eat it raw, slice it into salads, or use it as a sweet, low-calorie snack. In Peru, they make Yacón syrup from the tuber and use it as a sweetener. Known for its potential health benefits, including a high concentration of fructooligosaccharides that may aid digestion, it’s a nutritious ingredient to add to your must-try list.

5. Puntarelle

Puntarella, a type of chicory known for its bitter taste and curly appearance, is a classic in Italian cuisine, especially in Rome. People often use it in salads like “puntarelle alla Romana,” where they dress the shoots with anchovy and garlic vinaigrette. You can also braise or sauté puntarella, and it pairs well with strong flavors like garlic and chili.

The Complete List of Vegetables That Start With the Letter P

You can find the big, alphabetized list of vegetables that start with the letter P below. When perusing, please note that the classification of some plants as vegetables can vary by culinary tradition and cultural context. In culinary practices, people treat some items as vegetables, even though they may be considered fruits or herbs in botanical terms.

Summary Table of Vegetables

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jason Person/Shutterstock.com