The Most Popular Vegetable in India, Ranked

Choose the vegetable you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:54
Selecting the right vegetables for daily meals is crucial for a balanced diet, especially in a country as diverse as India, where culinary preferences can vary widely from one region to another. A reliable ranking of the most popular vegetables helps consumers and suppliers alike understand which items are likely to be most accepted and sought after across different states. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a more accurate and democratic understanding of culinary trends and vegetable popularity. This not only aids in ensuring that grocers stock the most favored options but also assists individuals in discovering new vegetables to incorporate into their diets, potentially enriching their culinary experiences.

What Is the Most Popular Vegetable in India?

  1. 1
    28
    votes
    Potatoes are the most popular vegetable in India. They are used in various dishes like Aloo Paratha, Aloo Gobi, and Aloo Tikki. They are also used as a thickening agent in curries.
    The potato is a starchy, tuberous edible plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is widely consumed around the world and is a staple food in many cuisines. Potatoes are known for their versatility in cooking and can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, baking, frying, and mashing.
    • Kingdom: Plantae
    • Family: Solanaceae
    • Scientific Name: Solanum tuberosum
    • Origin: South America
    • Color: Varies (most commonly yellow, brown, or red)
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    Onions are used in almost every dish in India. They are used for their strong flavor and aroma. They are also used as a base ingredient in many curries.
    The Onion bagel is a savory and aromatic bagel flavor that is beloved by many. It is known for its distinctive taste and is a popular choice for breakfast or a satisfying snack. The Onion bagel offers a unique combination of flavors, with a hint of sweetness from the onions and a satisfying chewy texture. It pairs well with a variety of toppings and spreads, making it a versatile choice for bagel enthusiasts.
    • Flavor: Savory and aromatic with a hint of sweetness
    • Texture: Chewy and dense
    • Topping suggestions: Cream cheese, lox, tomato, cucumber, or scrambled eggs
    • Size: Typically around 4-5 inches in diameter
    • Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per bagel
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Tomatoes are used in many dishes like tomato chutney, tomato curry, and tomato soup. They are also used as a base ingredient in many curries.
    The tomato is a widely cultivated edible plant that belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is native to western South America and has become one of the most popular and versatile fruits worldwide. Despite being treated as a vegetable in culinary applications, the tomato is technically a fruit due to its formation from the ovary of a flowering plant.
    • Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
    • Color: Varies from green, yellow, orange, to red
    • Shape: Round, oval, or irregular
    • Size: Ranges from tiny cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes
    • Flavor: Ranging from sweet to tangy and varies based on cultivar
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Brinjal is used in dishes like Baingan Bharta, Baingan ka Bhurta, and Baingan Masala. It is also used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes.
    Brinjal, also known as eggplant or aubergine, is a widely popular vegetable in India. It is a fruit of the plant species Solanum melongena and belongs to the nightshade family. Brinjal is a versatile vegetable used in various Indian dishes, known for its unique taste and texture.
    • Color: Varies from deep purple to white, green, or yellow
    • Shape: Oval or elongated with a smooth and glossy skin
    • Size: Range from a few centimeters to over 30 centimeters in length
    • Taste: Mild and slightly bitter
    • Texture: Creamy and tender when cooked
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    Cauliflower is used in dishes like Gobi Manchurian, Gobi Paratha, and Gobi Masala. It is also used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes.
    Cauliflower is a vegetable that belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and kale. It is a member of the cruciferous family, known for its compact, creamy white head and tender, crisp texture. The head (also known as the curd) is composed of undeveloped flower buds, surrounded by green leaves. Cauliflower is a cool-season crop and is best grown in areas with mild temperatures and consistent moisture. It requires a lot of care and attention to reach its full potential.
    • Planting season: Cool-season
    • Maturity time: 70-100 days from transplanting
    • Sun exposure: Full sun
    • Soil requirements: Rich, well-draining soil
    • Watering needs: Consistent moisture, but not waterlogged
  6. 6
    19
    votes
    Okra is used in dishes like Bhindi Masala, Bhindi Fry, and Bhindi Do Pyaza. It is also used as a thickening agent in curries.
    Okra, also known as Ladyfinger, is a popular vegetable in India. It is a flowering plant from the mallow family, cultivated for its edible green pods. The pods are long, slender, and taper towards the end, resembling a finger or a lady's finger - hence the name. Okra is prized for its unique texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in various Indian cuisines.
    • Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
    • Family: Malvaceae
    • Origin: Africa
    • Nutritional Value: Okra is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. It also contains minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
    • Appearance: Long, slender, and green pods with tapering ends
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    Spinach is used in dishes like Palak Paneer, Palak Chicken, and Palak Dal. It is also used in various types of salads.
    Spinach is a popular pizza topping that adds a delightful and healthy twist to any pizza. It is made from fresh spinach leaves that are either sautéed or blanched before being placed on the pizza. The spinach leaves are packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a favorite choice for those looking for a nutritious and delicious pizza topping.
    • Texture: Tender and slightly wilted
    • Flavor: Mild and earthy
    • Color: Vibrant green
    • Nutrition: Rich in iron, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants
    • Versatility: Pairs well with various toppings like feta cheese, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Cabbage is used in dishes like Cabbage Curry, Cabbage Paratha, and Cabbage Salad. It is also used in various types of pickles.
    Cabbage is a popular leafy green vegetable in Ireland. It is a member of the Brassica family, known for its round or elongated head of densely packed leaves. Cabbage is a versatile crop that can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. It is widely used in traditional Irish cuisine and is known for its robust flavor and nutritional value.
    • Plant family: Brassica
    • Head shape: Round or elongated
    • Leaf type: Densely packed leaves
    • Common uses: Cooking, raw consumption, salads
    • Flavor: Robust
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    Carrots are used in dishes like Carrot Halwa, Carrot Salad, and Carrot Soup. They are also used as a base ingredient in many curries.
    Carrot is a moist and flavorful Bundt cake that combines the sweetness of carrots with warm spices. It has a tender crumb and is often accompanied by a cream cheese frosting that complements its earthy flavors.
    • Flavor: Carrot
    • Texture: Moist
    • Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
    • Crumb: Tender
    • Frosting: Cream cheese frosting
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Peas are used in dishes like Matar Paneer, Matar Pulao, and Matar Samosas. They are also used as a base ingredient in many curries.
    Peas baby food is a popular flavor that is loved by infants and parents alike. It is made from mashed peas, known for their smooth and creamy texture. The flavor profile is mild and slightly sweet, making it appealing to babies who are starting to explore different tastes. The vibrant green color of the peas adds to the visual appeal of the food. Peas baby food is packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, C, and K, as well as fiber, iron, and protein. It is commonly recommended as a first vegetable puree for babies. The creator of Peas baby food is a renowned baby food brand that focuses on producing nutritious and tasty options for infants.
    • Ingredients: Mashed peas
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy
    • Flavor profile: Mild, slightly sweet
    • Color: Vibrant green
    • Nutrients: Vitamin A, C, K, fiber, iron, protein

Missing your favorite vegetable?

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Ranking factors for popular vegetable

  1. Availability
    The vegetable should be easily available across different regions of India.
  2. Nutritional value
    The vegetable should be nutritious and provide a range of important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
  3. Economic value
    The vegetable should be affordable and accessible to people of all income groups.
  4. Culinary versatility
    The vegetable should be versatile in terms of its ability to be used in a range of different dishes and cooking styles.
  5. Cultural importance
    The vegetable should have cultural significance and be used in traditional dishes and festivals.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular vegetable in India. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or vegetable is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3442 views
  • 163 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each vegetable once every 24 hours. The rank of each vegetable is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular vegetable in india

India is a country that is known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. From fragrant spices to unique cooking techniques, Indian cuisine is a feast for the senses. One of the most important ingredients in Indian cooking is vegetables. With a wide variety of vegetables grown across the country, it's no surprise that they play a prominent role in many Indian dishes. When it comes to the most popular vegetable in India, opinions are divided. Some argue that potatoes are the most popular due to their versatility and widespread use in dishes such as aloo gobi and samosas. Others believe that onions are the most popular due to their use in curries and as a base for many Indian sauces. However, there are many other vegetables that are also beloved in Indian cuisine. Tomatoes, cauliflower, and eggplant are just a few examples of vegetables that are commonly used in dishes across the country. Ultimately, the most popular vegetable in India is a matter of personal preference and regional variation. Regardless of which vegetable is the favorite, there's no denying that vegetables are an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture.

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