17 Strange-Looking Vegetables You Should Try Growing This Year

If you ’re looking to spice up your garden with something sincerely alone , why not try growing some strange - looking vegetables that will both surprise and joy ?

These 17 unusual veggies are not only heart - catching with their bizarre shapes and colors , but they also offer incredible feel and nutritional benefits . From the vivacious , alien - corresponding kohlrabi to the quirky - look Romanescu Brassica oleracea botrytis , these vegetables stand out in any garden and offer a sport challenge for gardeners . Whether you ’re looking to strike at your next dinner party company or simply need to experiment with newfangled tasting , these strange vegetables are a must - try .

They ’re perfect for those who are ready to think outside the traditional veggie patch and search the more adventurous side of horticulture . Ready to grow something dissimilar this season ? These strange vegetables will give your garden a distinctive edge and your meals a whole young flavor profile .

17 Strange-Looking Vegetables You Should Try Growing This Year

Romanesco Broccoli

With its mesmerizing fractal patterns , Romanesco Broccoli is truly a sight to lay eyes on . Each floret forms a perfect spiral , making it a mathematician ’s aspiration in vegetable form . The lifelike green hue add a pop of colour to gardens and plates alike .

While it may look like it comes from another planet , it belongs to the same kinsperson as Brassica oleracea botrytis and Brassica oleracea italica . Its taste is exchangeable yet clear-cut , offering a nuttier flavour visibility . Add it to salad or make fun it for a crunchy bite . Plant in well - enfeeble soil with batch of sunshine for the best results .

Kohlrabi

Often likened to a spaceship , turnip cabbage ’s bulbous shape with leafy extrusion establish it stick out out . Its appreciation is a delightful mixture of Brassica oleracea italica staunch and radish . prefer between green or purplish kind , both loose to grow and rewarding .

Kohlrabi thrives in cool weather and requires minimum tending . cube it raw into salads for a crunchy grain or steam it gently to relish its sweet , balmy savour . To cultivate , guarantee consistent watering and protect from pesterer . Its quirky appearance is sure to intrigue both novice and seasoned gardeners alike .

Black Radish

This dark - skinned root veggie might seem intimidating , but it reward with a peppery , robust flavor . deep down , the soma is livid and crisp , contrasting beautifully with the black exterior .

Historically , black Raphanus sativus have been used for their medicative properties . They are sodding for growing in cooler climate and are comparatively pest - insubordinate . rankle them into salad to bring a spicy kick or make fun them for a milder taste . even watering and fertile soil are fundamental to successful growth . These radishes tot an strange twist to any garden crop card .

Oca

originate from the Andes , oca tubers are small , colorful , and jam a tangy punch . Their vibrant hues of pink and orange not only brighten gardens but also attend as a conversation starter .

Oca like cooler climates and thrives in the same conditions as potatoes . Boil or roast them to delight their lemony mouthful . While they ’re not as coarse in garden , they ’re elementary to grow and reap . Plant them in well - drain soil and ensure they take in sizeable Light Within . The surprisal of their savor and appearance makes them a delightful addition to any garden .

Celeriac

Celeriac , often called the ‘ horrifying duckling ’ of the veggie world , has a unsophisticated charm with its knobby exterior . Beneath this jolty peel lies a tender , aromatic physique appreciated in soups and puree .

Thriving in cooler temperature , celery root postulate patience , as it has a long grow season . Once harvested , its trenchant celery - corresponding sapidity with round the bend undertones unveils . Growing root celery command veritable lacrimation and fertile , well - drain soil . Despite its show , it ’s a vegetable that surprises with its deepness of flavor and versatility in the kitchen .

Buddha’s Hand

This citrus fruit looks as singular as its name advise , with yellow , finger’s breadth - corresponding sections resembling a spooky hand . Despite its appearance , Buddha ’s Hand is revered for its fragrant relish .

While not juicy , it ’s perfect for infusing flavor into smasher or create redolent citrus oils . idealistic for container gardening , it prefer a gay spot with well - drain soil . Watch as it becomes the centrepiece of your garden , fascinate all who see it . Its tang is ideal for desserts , cocktails , and marinades , offer a unique culinary experience .

Fiddlehead Ferns

Young , curve fronds of certain ferns , do it as fiddleheads , are a springtime discretion . Their vibrant immature shoots resemble the coil of a violin , adding both grain and novelty to dishes .

Fiddleheads volunteer a taste redolent of asparagus with a speck of nuttiness . Harvest them when they ’re just emerging for the undecomposed flavor . Traditionally sautéed with garlic and butter , they make an keen side sweetheart . assure they receive plenty of shade and moisture for optimum increase . inaugurate fiddleheads to your garden bring both culinary and cosmetic time value .

Cardoon

A relative of the globe artichoke , cardoon ’s imposing presence in the garden is hard to disregard . Its towering stalks and spiky foliage make it both an ornamental and comestible plant .

The shuck are the asterisk here , often compared to celery in texture but with a subtle artichoke flavor . Blanch them to reduce bitterness before cooking . Cardoon prefers full sun and well - drained grunge , expand best in mild climate . Its singular appearance will make it a conversation piece , while its taste offers a bon vivant touch to home plate - wangle repast .

Purple Cauliflower

Purple cauliflower brings an unexpected splash of coloration to your garden and plate . Its striking chromaticity comes from the comportment of antioxidants , adding both nutrition and novelty .

Although it tastes like to its white opposite number , the color can alter in intensity with exposure to sunshine . Steam or roast it to enhance its born pleasantness . Purple Brassica oleracea botrytis thrives in soft climates and need consistent watering for the best takings . It ’s an first-class pick for gardener looking to introduce both dish and wellness to their veg selection .

Salsify

Salsify , often dubbed the ‘ oyster industrial plant ’ , boasts a pernicious seafood feeling once cooked . This root vegetable is long and slender , with a pale , delicate skin that conceals its creamy interior .

It ’s a versatile addition to dish , idealistic for soups and stew . Salsify grows best in arenaceous soil and expect a farsighted growing time of year . Harvest in late fall for the good flavor . Despite its unassuming appearance , it surprises many with its unique taste , adding a gourmet flair to homemade meals . Perfect for those seek to try something different in their garden .

Purple Sweet Potato

Visually sensational , the violet honeyed potato is a feast for the eye and palate . Its rich chromaticity suggestion at the antioxidant punch it tamp , rivaling common varieties in both nutrition and penchant .

The sweet , creamy flesh work wonderfully in both cherubic and savory bag . Grow them in well - drained stain with ample sunlight for a bighearted harvest time . They ’re resilient and adapt well to various climate , making them a gardener ’s pleasure . Whether bake , squash , or fry , this tuber brings a vibrant twist to classic recipes while liven your garden with its people of colour .

Malabar Spinach

This is n’t your distinctive Spinacia oleracea ; Malabar Spinach is a climbing vine with thick , glossy leaves . It expand in warm clime and provides a continuous crop throughout the season .

Its leaves have a soft , slenderly peppery flavor , perfect for salad or stir - fry . Malabar Spinach need a sturdy trellis to support its vigorous growing . Ensure it obtain good deal of sunshine and water regularly . Its unequaled maturation substance abuse and profuse foliage make it an attractive gain to any vegetable garden , offering both optical appeal and culinary versatility .

Chioggia Beet

Chioggia beets are a ocular treat , boasting concentric rings of pinkish and white indoors . This Italian heirloom variety is not just about aspect — its sweet , gross flavor is equally tempting .

Whether roasted or raw , it adds a pop of color to dishes . Grow Chioggia beets in well - drained dirt and coolheaded weather for optimal results . They ’re easy to cultivate and glean , make them a darling among gardeners . With its spectacular appearance and delicious taste , this Beta vulgaris is a must - render for those looking to expand their garden ’s palette .

Crosnes

Crosnes , also know as Chinese globe artichoke , are flyspeck tuber with a trenchant , knobby appearance evocative of caterpillar . Their balmy flavor and crunchy grain make them a delicious addition to salads and shake - shaver .

These genus Tuber thrive in well - drained soil and require minimal upkeep . found them in springtime for a late autumn harvest . Crosnes ’ alone shape often fascinate those unfamiliar with them . Despite their small size , they pack a punch in terms of discernment and grain . An ideal choice for gardeners looking to try something a scrap out of the ordinary .

Romanesco Zucchini

This zucchini variety stand out with its ribbed , light green fruits . Romanesco courgette is not only visually likable but also offers a slightly nutty flavour that heighten any dish .

It ’s a fertile producer , providing a generous harvest home throughout the growing time of year . works in sunny spots with well - drained dirt for the best yield . These zucchinis are perfect for grilling , stir - fries , or even raw in salads . With its attractive facial expression and delicious taste , Romanesco courgette is a wonderful addition to any garden , promising both beauty and bounty .

Yardlong Beans

Yardlong beans , also known as Asparagus officinales beans , subsist up to their name , reaching lengths of up to a pace . Their retentive , thin pods are a joy in stir - fries and salad , offer a laconic grain and balmy nip .

These edible bean thrive in quick climates and take a tough keep for climbing . Regular harvesting encourages more growth , making them a productive selection for gardeners . With their telling length and taste , they bring in a unique moral force to veggie garden . Plant them in gay spotlight with fertile soil to enjoy a liberal crop .

Dragon Tongue Beans

Distinguished by their yellow pods streaked with vibrant purple , Dragon Tongue edible bean are as visually captivating as they are tasty . These heirloom beans are tender and dulcet , perfect for exhaust fresh or wangle .

Grow them in full sun with well - drained stain for the best results . They ’re bush - eccentric beans , making them easy to sustain without the need for staking . Their striking appearance makes them a deary among veg nurseryman seeking something different . Enjoy these beans steamed , sautéed , or naked for a beautiful and delicious add-on to meals .

Romanesco Broccoli