How many green foods can you name? I bet you can list quite a few. There are so many green foods out there that we had to make a big list just to keep track of them all.
From green beans to creamy avocado, many foods are green, and we think you should try them all. Every food on this list may be green, but each one is unique!
Pistachios
Contents
What are the Benefits of Green Foods?
The color green is often an indicator of the vitamins and minerals in a food. Phytochemicals are typically responsible for that green color and have myriad benefits. Phytochemicals are also what give green foods their taste and earthy smell.
Green foods, especially leafy greens, have lots of vitamin C, folate, iron, and other vital nutrients for a balanced diet. Naturally, green foods may help prevent certain cancers, lower blood pressure and even help balance blood sugar.
Every green food will have its own unique benefits in addition to its own taste. You may need to try them all to see which you like best!
Our Green Foods List
Are you ready to learn all about our favorite 50 green foods? Then let’s dive right in!
1. Green Beans
Green beans are so green that the color is actually in the name! Seems like a fitting vegetable to start our list of green foods.
Fresh green beans can be eaten as a healthy snack or cooked into a tasty side dish.
Green beans are loaded with fiber and may help with digestive health. Green beans might help lower blood sugar levels and even improve cholesterol.
With potential health benefits like that, it sounds like we should all give green beans a try!
2. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a cruciferous vegetable. They are best slow-cooked, which helps tenderize the tough, leafy greens.
Steam your collard greens or sauté them with some olive oil and bacon. The green leaves are full of antioxidants and may also have free-radical fighting properties.
3. Green Peas
Green peas grow inside long pods. Many pea pods are edible, but the small, round pea seeds inside are what most people eat.
Peas have a high amount of vitamin C and fiber. They are delicious when cooked or eaten fresh. Peas have an earthy, sweet flavor that many people love.
4. Green Pepper
There are many different types of green peppers, and they also range in flavor. Some green peppers are quite spicy, while others are mild and sweet.
Green peppers have quite a few antioxidants that may help fight cancers, boost your immune system, and add to a healthy diet.
Enjoy green pepper fresh, or try cooking them for even more flavor.
5. Barley Grass
Barley grass is the leaf of a barley plant. It is often blended into smoothies and drinks for people to enjoy as a health food beverage.
Barley grass is a great source of soluble dietary fiber, which may help improve gut health. Many people use barley grass as part of a weight-loss plan. It may help you feel fuller for longer, preventing you from overeating.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is a drink made from tea leaves. It has a light green color and comes with lots of potential health benefits.
Green tea is said to help reduce inflammation and can help improve heart health. It also has natural caffeine, which will energize you throughout the day.
7. Green Grapes
Green grapes are botanically a berry. They are about the size of a nickel and ripen at the end of the summer.
Grapes are delicious when fresh. They have a slight crunch and are full of sweet juice.
Grapes can be used to make wine or jellies. Most grapes contain seeds, but there are quite a few seedless varieties.
8. Chinese Cabbage
Unlike regular cabbage, Chinese cabbage does not form a tight head. Instead, it has leafy greens that curl at the edge like lettuce.
Chinese cabbage is perfect for cooking. You can even slice the head in half and toss it on the grill with just a little olive oil. Easy, healthy greens like this are our favorite!
9. Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a type of salad lettuce. It grows well in Mediterranean climates.
Romaine lettuce has dark, long leaves. It has a high nutritional value and a mild taste with a slightly sweet taste.
10. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a super healthy green food and is very similar to kale and spinach. It can be sauteed or eaten fresh.
11. Kale
Kale is a large, leafy green that is considered to be a superfood. It is packed with vitamins and minerals that will give you a healthy boost. One cup of kale has tons of vitamin k, beta carotene, folic acid, and B vitamins.
Kale has so many health benefits that they are almost impossible to list!
Chop up the dark leafy greens and make a salad. Kale is delicious when sauteed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also roast kale to make crispy chips. We love healthy greens like this!
12. Brussels Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are small, round vegetables that are a member of the cabbage family. They can be eaten raw or roasted to help soften and sweeten the taste of the veggie.
Brussels sprouts are full of vitamin A and vitamin C. They may help boost immunity and improve digestive health.
13. Bok Choy
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that’s fairly small and slightly bitter. It tastes similar to mustard greens and has quite a few health benefits.
Bok choy is a rich source of beta carotene. It is also full of vitamin K and may even aid in cancer prevention.
14. Zucchini
Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a type of summer squash. It is long and smooth with dark green skin.
Zucchini can be used in many different ways. Slice zucchini and eat it in a salad or toss it with some olive oil and sauté it until soft. You may even want to make zucchini chips!
15. Avocado
Avocado is often thought of as being a vegetable, but, in fact, it is a fruit! The dark green skin is peeled away to reveal a light green flesh.
A ripe avocado has a creamy, sweet taste that is best eaten raw. Avocados are rich in healthy fats and may be good for cholesterol and improving eye health.
16. Edamame
Edamame is a small soybean that grows in a long green pea pod. It is typically steamed inside the pod, and then the bean inside is popped out and eaten.
Edamame may help control cholesterol. The little beans are a great source of plant-based protein.
17. Kiwi
Kiwi is a small green fruit with fuzzy brown skin. They have a sweet, tropical taste that is delicious on its own or tossed into a fruit salad.
Kiwis may be small, but they are quite healthy. Kiwi has twice the amount of potassium as a banana and lots of vitamin C.
18. Basil
Basil is a flavorful herb that is used in many different cuisines around the world. It is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine and also in Thai food.
Basil has many vitamins and minerals. It also contains antibacterial properties.
19. Seaweed
Many types of green seaweed are edible. Some are best when made into a salad, while other seaweeds are better cooked. They are mostly used in Japanese cuisine.
Seaweed comes in all different shades of greens. Seaweed has lots of vitamins and minerals and is part of a healthy diet.
20. Asparagus
Asparagus is a long, skinny vegetable that pops up out of the ground in the spring. Sauté asparagus in some olive oil for a simple, delicious, and healthy side dish.
Asparagus is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K and also vitamin A. It has a good amount of fiber which will help improve digestive health.
Asparagus is definitely one of our favorite green vegetables on this list!
21. Nopales
Nopal is a type of flat cactus that is often used in Mexican cuisine. It can be preserved in a brine, sliced, and served fresh as a salad or sauteed into fajitas.
Nopales may help lower blood pressure. They contain lots of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
22. Mint
Mint is an aromatic herb. The plant’s green leaves have a fresh, bright, and slightly spicy taste.
Mint is used to flavor all different types of foods, from ice cream to pad Thai.
23. Green Tomatoes
When you think of tomatoes, you probably think of the color red. However, tomatoes start off green! Many people love eating unripe, green tomatoes, especially when they are fried.
There are also varieties of tomatoes that never turn red and stay green even when ripe.
24. Broccoli
Broccoli is a very popular green food that is also quite healthy. It is an edible vegetable in the cabbage family. The stalks of broccoli and also the small florets are both edible.
Broccoli has lots of health benefits like most green vegetables. Try eating uncooked broccoli to get the most vitamins and minerals that the plant has to offer.
25. Celery
Celery is one of many green vegetables that we love. It is usually found in salads, soups, or eaten as a snack.
Celery stalks have a very mild taste but a nice, satisfying crunch. They are very low in calories and have no fats or carbs.
Chop up some celery, maybe a few green beans, and some spinach, and you will have an incredible green veggies salad!
26. Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb with bright green leaves. Its a member of the parsley family. It is very popular in Mexican cuisine.
Cilantro has a fresh, citrusy taste. Some people describe cilantro as being soapy. It is definitely an herb you either love or hate!
27. Oregano
Oregano is an herb used in cooking. It has a peppery and lemony taste and is used in all different types of cuisine, from Italian food to Mexican.
Oregano has lots of antioxidants that may help fight off bacteria and viruses. Oregano may alleviate inflammation and could even reduce the growth of cancer cells.
28. Okra
Okra is a type of long, ridged seedpods mostly used in soups and stews. When cooked correctly, okra is tender and sweet.
Okra is a very popular deep-fried food. It is a common green vegetable in southern cuisine.
29. Spinach
Spinach is one of the most popular leafy greens. You can find large leaf spinach or tender baby spinach, which is perfect for salads.
Spinach contains lots of potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and vitamin E.
30. Limes
Limes are a small, green citrus fruit with a very tangy taste. There are several different types of limes, but the most common is Persian lime.
Limes are high in vitamin c, a nutrient that may help boost immunity. They may also help promote healthy skin and even reduce the risk of heart disease.
Limes are often added to foods as a finishing touch or extra flavor boost. Many drinks are also made with lime juice due to its powerful, delicious flavor.
31. Cucumbers
Cucumber is a green vegetable that is crisp and refreshing. It has dark green skin with a pale white center.
Cucumbers are mostly eaten raw. They do not cook well and are much better fresh, or pickled.
Cucumbers can help with hydration since they have such a high water content. They also may help with digestion since they are a good source of fiber.
32. Turnip Greens
Turnip greens are simply the leafy greens on top of the turnip plant. You may think of the red turnip as being the edible part of the plant, but the healthy greens above ground are also delicious.
Saute turnip greens just as you would cook kale or spinach. The greens will wilt in the heat of the pan and become tender and soft.
Turnip greens have lots of vitamin A which may help maintain healthy skin and nails. The nutrients in turnip greens might help protect the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of stroke and hypertension.
33. Lima Beans
Lima beans are a type of legume with a subtle, creamy flavor. They have lots of important nutrients and are high in plant-based protein, making them a great addition to any diet, especially a vegetarian one.
Lima beans are often dried and can then be stored for years. They need to be soaked and cooked to rehydrate the little bean.
You can also use fresh lima beans for cooking, and they will have the same nutrients as dried beans.
34. Granny Smith Apples
Granny Smith apples have bright green, edible skin. The apples are crunchy and a little bit tart. While they are delicious to eat fresh, they are also perfect for baking into pies.
Green apples are just as healthy as red apples. Grab a green apple as a healthy snack, and you will not be disappointed!
35. Jalapenos
Jalapenos are a very popular green pepper. They are small and long, growing to be about 4-5 inches in length.
Jalapenos are popular in Mexican-style cooking. They have a nice spice that is hot and flavorful.
Remove the seeds from the jalapeno if you want a little less heat. While green jalapenos are most common, they come in red as well. The green pepper will be less spicy than the red version.
36. Olives
Olives are a small oval fruit with a hard pit in the center. They are green when they are not quite ripe and then turn a black color as they ripen.
Olives are typically pitted and then stored in brine to preserve the fruit. The olives take on the flavor of the juices they are stored in and also add their own salty taste to the jar.
Olives are fairly healthy. They may protect against osteoporosis and possibly cancer. Olives are often enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, and even tapenades.
37. Parsley
Parsley is a popular herb that is often used in Italian cuisines. It is a vibrant green color and can add a pop of color to a meal when added as a garnish.
Parsley has a slightly soapy taste that is best when chopped and added to a dish fresh.
38. Dill
Dill is an aromatic herb that is a member of the parsley family. It is often used to make pickles and dressings. Dill has a mellow, herby taste and is very low in calories.
39. Arugula
Arugula is a green leafy vegetable that is related to spinach and lettuce. It has a slight peppery taste, and the leaves are soft and tender to eat.
Arugula is best eaten fresh and most often made into a salad. A little salad dressing, maybe a touch of cheese or nuts, and you will have a perfect green side dish!
40. Pear
Pears are a sweet tree fruit that is popular around the world. Green pears are oblong-shaped fruits that have small black seeds in the center.
When ripe, pears are juicy and soft. They are delicious when eaten fresh and contain lots of vitamins and minerals.
41. Artichokes
Artichokes, a member of the thistle family, are one of the most interesting green vegetables. The unopened artichoke head has edible petals. The meat inside each petal is the most desirable part.
Artichokes are best when cooked. Drizzle an artichoke with some olive oil and roast it until golden brown. You can also find artichokes preserved in oil which are delicious in a salad or served on a charcuterie board.
42. Pesto
Pesto is a type of sauce made from crushed basil, pine nuts, and garlic. It also contains parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Pesto is an Italian sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy. It is fairly easy to make, and you can create all different variations using alternate nuts and cheeses. However, you always need to add that green basil!
Pesto is typically served on pasta. It will turn your pasta a brilliant green as well!
43. Cabbage
Cabbage is a leafy plant that grows in a tight ball called a head. It is round and compact, with all the leaves curling around one another. It is popular in southern cuisines and also on St. Patrick’s Day.
Cabbage has a strong, slightly bitter taste and a subtle natural sweetness.
Cabbage can be cooked or eaten fresh. Add it to stir-fries to give the dish a crunch, or makes it into a salad for a refreshing, healthy meal.
44. Guacamole
Guacamole is made with mashed avocados, onions, lime juice, and jalapenos. It is a classic Mexican side dish and is delicious when served with tortilla chips.
Avocados have lots of health benefits which makes guacamole a healthy choice. They have many key nutrients and are full of healthy fats.
45. Gooseberry
Gooseberries are small round berries that are a translucent green color. You may also find gooseberries in shades of red or yellow.
Gooseberries are highly nutritious. They have vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and manganese. Just one cup serving of gooseberries has almost the full recommended daily value of vitamin C.
Eating gooseberries daily may help support health and even lower blood pressure.
46. Scallions
Scallions are also known as green onions. The skinny green stalks are harvested before the onion bulb forms. Both the white base and the green stalk are edible and have a subtle, sweet onion taste.
Scallions are low in calories but full of key nutrients. Scallions have lots of vitamin A and also almost your complete daily value of vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting.
Add some scallions to your grilled chicken stir fry or chop a few over a salad. You will instantly add a sweet taste to your favorite dishes by adding one simple ingredient.
47. Leeks
A leek is a plant related to the onion. It has flat, overlapping leaves that twist together at the base. The white bottom part of the leek is what is typically eaten.
Leeks are a good source of prebiotics, a type of beneficial bacteria. They may also help prevent certain cancers and act as an anti-inflammatory. Eating leeks may lead to good health in addition to being a tasty green food.
48. Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are also called ramps. They are the long, skinny flower step that emerges from the top of hard-neck garlic plants.
Garlic scapes have a sweet, mild garlic taste. They are often used to make pesto but can be eaten raw or tossed on the grill to cook. Serve chopped garlic scapes with some brown rice for a tasty, vegetarian, gluten-free dish.
Garlic scapes have a texture like string beans but a flavor like asparagus and garlic mixed together. They are quite the treat!
49. Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon is a large, round fruit with pale green flesh. They ripen toward the end of the summer, at which time they will be juicy and very sweet.
Honeydew melons have lots of vitamin K. They also have magnesium, folic acid, and folate, which are good for bone health.
50. Pistachios
Pistachios are small green nuts inside a hard shell. They are sweet and crunchy. They are fun to eat as you need to remove the shell by hand before popping a little nut in your mouth!
Pistachios are loaded with nutrients, high in antioxidants, and also high in protein.
Amazing Green Food You Must Try
Did you find any green foods that were extra interesting? We definitely did!
The bottom line, green foods are healthy, tasty, and easy to find. Try adding a few to your diet, and you will not be disappointed! Enjoy.
Leave a Reply