Question

Name three edible parts of plants.

Answer 1

Hint: We consume plants on a daily basis and they should be a part of our diets, as they provide a significant amount of nutrients required by our body, including proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Complete answer:
- We can consume almost all parts of plants as a part of our diets and they provide adequate nutrition. Various edible parts of the plants and examples are as follows.
1. Roots - Carrot, turnip, radish, sweet potato
2. Stems - Potato, ginger, garlic, onion
3. Leaves - Spinach, cabbage, lettuce

- These parts of plants may be a storage of starch and other nutrients necessary for the plant.
- The flowers and fruits form the reproductive system and the embryo of the plant. The embryo as well the reproductive parts are protected by the various parts which have nutritive value.
- Another important component of most of these parts is fiber, which may be soluble or insoluble in water. These provide roughage to the digestive system and help in the elimination of waste from the body.
- Other examples of edible parts of the plants are as follows.
1. Flowers - Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, banana flowers, sunflowers, chamomile.
2. Fruits - apple, berries, mango, pears, tomato, cucumber, pumpkin, bell pepper
3. Seeds - All cereals like wheat, rice, maize; oilseeds like groundnut and mustard; pulses; peas, and soybean.

Note:
- Vegetables are a commonly used term for any edible part of the plant, may it be the roots, stems, or flowers.
- Other edible foods that are not a part of any plant but are considered as an important source of nutrition are mushrooms and seaweeds.