Vegetables That Start With L

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Lemons, limes, and lettuce, sure. But what are the other vegetables that start with L? Some of them might just surprise you! Read on to find 20+ vegetables beginning with the letter L!

1. Lacinato Kale

What Is Lacinato Kale?

This specific type of kale, also known as cavolo nero, Tuscan kale, Italian kale, and dinosaur kale, is very popular in Italian dishes, specifically in Tuscany. It has a darker color and is more tender than curly kale, which makes it a great addition to salads and raw dishes but also delicious in cooked dishes as well. It’s super easy to find at just about any grocery store.

What Does Lacinato Kale Taste Like?

This popular vegetable has a less bitter, earthy, nutty and slightly more sweet flavor than curly kale. It’s a pretty delicate green which is what makes it so versatile.

Is It Healthy?

Yes! Kale is a superfood and is packed with dietary fiber. It also has an impressive amount of Vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals as well. It’s also loaded with anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting antioxidants!

Recipe To Try!

2. Lagos Bologi

What Is Lagos Bologi?

Lagos Bologi is a leaf vegetable, also known as ceylon spinach, malabar spinach, or waterleaf. It is native to Central America and South America. It can be eaten raw or cooked.

What Does It Taste Like?

This vegetable that starts with the letter L is mild in flavor and slightly nutty, similar to spinach.

Is It Healthy?

Yes! It is rich in fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron and Calcium.

3. Lakota Squash

What Is Lakota Squash?

This is a winter squash, similar to a pumpkin, with bright orange skin that has green streaks throughout.

What Does It Taste Like?

This squash has a soft flesh with a mild, sweet, nutty flavor. The seeds can be roasted – just like pumpkin seeds, and the squash itself can be sauteed, roasted, baked, or even pureed into soups and other dishes (similar to how you might use butternut squash).

Is It Healthy?

Absolutely! It is high in fiber, and a slew of vitamins and minerals such as A, C, B6, B2, B3, K, folate, copper, manganese, potassium, and magnesium.

Recipe To Try!

4. Lamb’s Lettuce

What Is Lamb’s Lettuce?

This type of lettuce is a green, leafy vegetable known for its long, spoon-shaped, and dark leaves. It gets its unusual name from how well it resembles a lamb’s tongue.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lamb’s lettuce has a distinctive, tangy flavor that is enjoyed both raw as a salad base or steamed and eaten as a veggie.

Is It Healthy?

These veggies starting with L are rich in beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that becomes vitamin A once absorbed. Vitamin A is great for boosting iron metabolism, supporting strong eyesight, and strengthening the immune system.

Recipe To Try!

5. Lambsquarters

What Is Lambsquarters?

This weedy, green vegetable comes from Eurasia. In North America, it was grown as a vegetable crop, and it is still cultivated as a spinach alternative.

What Does Lambsquarters Taste Like?

Unsurprisingly, it has an earthy flavor that is similar to chard or spinach. It tastes great in salads or blended into smoothies (try it as an alternative to kale or other greens in smoothie recipes!)

Is It Healthy?

Like other weeds, Lambsquarters is incredibly nutritious. It is high in both fiber and protein, and it is loaded with vitamins A and C.

6. Land Cress

What Is Land Cress?

Land cress, also known as upland cress or American cress, is a leafy green that’s technically an herb. It can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. It has yellow flowers which are edible too!

What Does It Taste Like?

It has a slightly strong taste and a peppery flavor – similar to arugula or kale.

Is It Healthy?

Yes! This vegetable that starts with L is super healthy – it’s high in Vitamin A, B, C, E, Iron and Calcium!

7. Lawyer’s Wig Mushroom

What Is Lawyer’s Wig Mushroom?

Lawyer’s wig mushroom—also known as the shaggy inkcap—is a large, conspicuous fungus that grows in meadows and woods.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lawyer’s Wig Mushroom has an incredibly delicious and salty flavor that goes great in creamy sauces.

Is It Healthy?

Some studies suggest Coprinus mushrooms have antitumor and antiviral effects, and they are also great for your immune system.

Recipe To Try!

8. Laver

What Is Laver?

Laver is an edible seaweed commonly found in Great Britain and Japan. The most common form of laver is purple laver, which is similar to a red algae. It’s also known as nori, and is often used in sushi or in a Welsh dish called “laverbread”

What Does It Taste Like?

It has a super robust, slightly salty, pungent flavor that will remind you of the sea – similar to oysters or other seafood.

Is It Healthy?

Laver is very high in both iron, potassium, and iodine, and is low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any dish!

9. Leaf Lettuce

What Is Lettuce?

As I’m sure many of you already know, lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the daisy family. Its scientific name is lactuca sativa.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lettuce has a pretty bland, somewhat sweet, taste that is a great base for salads and bowls. Most lettuce varieties are eaten fresh.

Is Lettuce Healthy?

Very! It is full of important nutrients, including vitamin K. Not only that, but raw lettuce is 95 percent water, so consuming it hydrates the body.

Recipe To Try!

10. Lebanese Cucumber

What Are Lebanese Cucumbers?

Lebanese cucumbers are smaller and thinner than regular cucumbers, with a softer skin and smoother texture. They’re great on salads, sandwiches or dipped in hummus. Because their skin is so thin, you don’t have to peel them!

What Does It Taste Like?

They have a crisp texture, and a mild, sweet flavor (compared to regular cucumbers). They are also super juicy and are mostly made up of water!

Is It Healthy?

These crispy vegetables that start with L are hydrating (since they’re high in water content), they’re low in calories, and they contain some fiber. So yes, they are healthy for you!

Recipe To Try!

11. Leek

What Are Leeks?

Leeks are vegetables somewhat related to garlic, chives, shallots, and onions.

What Do Leeks Taste Like?

These vegetables that start with L have a sweet, mild, and oniony flavor that is great for adding depth to soups, stews, and pasta.

Are They Healthy?

Leeks strengthen your immune system, boost your heart health, and improve your vision.

Recipe To Try!

12. Lemon Drop Pepper

What Is a Lemon Drop Pepper?

The Lemon drop pepper is a hot, citrusy pepper that is used to season popular Peruvian dishes.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lemon drop peppers were made for anyone who loves both citrus and spice. This chile’s heat is significant—though not overbearing—making this pepper ideal for salsas, and citrus-based sauces.

Is It Healthy?

Lemon drop peppers are rich in various vitamins and minerals, however, they are normally eaten in small doses.

13. Lemongrass

What Is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a common vegetable native to Asian countries like India, China, Malaysia and Thailand. It grows in dense bunches – like a tall grass, and is used both in cooking and in home remedies / self care products like lotions, soaps, etc.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lemongrass has a fresh, citrusy flavor, with hints of lemon and mint. It tastes great as an addition to teas, curries and stir fries.

Is It Healthy?

Yes! It’s low in calories, high in antioxidants, and contains some vitamins like Iron, Calcium and Vitamin C.

Recipe To Try!

14. Lentil

What Are Lentils?

This group of vegetables beginning with l are super versatile and can be used in so many different kinds of delicious dishes. Lentils are part of the legume family which include veggies like kidney beans, black beans, fava beans, chickpeas, snap peas, snow peas, mung beans, and more. They grow in pods and look like tiny pebbles when dry.

What Does It Taste Like?

This type of legume can only be eaten cooked. When it is cooked, it has a soft, mild, nutty, earthy flavor – and they taste great in stews and soups.

Is It Healthy?

Yes! Lentils are incredibly healthy – they are packed with fiber, plant protein, iron, B vitamins, zinc, and potassium. They can have a positive impact on blood pressure and heart health when eaten as part of a balanced diet. When paired with a grain like quinoa or rice, they become a complete protein.

Recipe To Try is my Mouth-Watering Red Lentils Recipe.

15. Likok

What Is Likok?

Likok is a small, round eggplant-like vegetable that originates in South Asia, specifically in India. Essentially, you can picture Likok as being a miniature, green pumpkin or sweet potato.

What Does Likok Taste Like?

Likok has an acerbic, bitter taste that can be offset by other spices, vegetables (onions especially), or coconut milk. All in all, it goes great in chutneys.

Is It Healthy?

Yes! Likok is a good source of vitamin K, potassium, and vitamin B6.

16. Lima Bean

What Are Lima Beans?

The lima bean, also known as a butter bean or broad beans, originated in Peru. They’re super versatile and can be used in stews, soups, in succotash, or in casseroles.

What Does It Taste Like?

These veggies that start with L have a buttery, creamy texture and a starchy taste – similar to a potato or white bean. They taste great cooked!

Is It Healthy?

Yes! They are packed with protein, fiber and are low in calories. They’re also very high in Manganese, Iron, Copper, Magnesium and Potassium.

17. Limestone Lettuce

What Is Limestone Lettuce?

This special kind of butter lettuce originates in America and is known for its leaves that compact tightly in its center and fan outwards. It’s sometimes referred to as Kentucky bibb lettuce.

What Does It Taste Like?

This lettuce has a smooth, buttery texture and sweet flavor.

Is It Healthy?

Limestone Lettuce is full of vitamins A, C, K, and a ton of other nutrients.

Recipe To Try!

18. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

This mushroom is a unique variety that is incredibly scrumptious! It is a white fungus with a hair-like texture that resembles a lion’s mane (hence the name), and it is sometimes referred to as the hedgehog mushroom.

What Does It Taste Like?

When it’s cooked, the lion’s mane mushroom is delicate, tender, juicy, and meaty. Some people find it tastes similar to seafood or crab meat, making for a terrific plant-based dinner entrée.

Is It Healthy?

While some claim there are medical benefits, there’s no substantial evidence to back it up.

Recipe To Try!

19. Lipstick Pepper

What Is a Lipstick Pepper?

These chunky, triangular peppers are considered by many to be the sweetest peppers you can grow.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lipstick peppers are great for roasting, stuffing, topping off salads, or freezing. They have a sweet and fruity flavor that doesn’t contain any heat.

Is It Healthy?

They are a terrific source of nutrients, as red peppers have higher levels of vitamins A and C.

20. Lo Bok

What Is Lo Bok?

This vegetable that starts with the letter L is similar to daikon radish, and comes from Southeast Asia. It looks like a large, white carrot – with a white skin and white flesh. It’s a super versatile bulbous vegetable that tastes great raw or cooked.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lo Bok is a mild, slightly sweet vegetable, and has a flavor similar to a radish. It can be eaten raw, pickled, roasted, or sauteed.

Is It Healthy?

Yes! It is packed with anti-inflammatory, disease-fighting antioxidants, and is high in Vitamin C, Potassium and Folate.

21. Lobster Mushroom

What Is A Lobster Mushroom?

Lobster mushrooms are just regular mushrooms that are covered in a red, parasitic mold that gives them a lobster-like appearance.

What Does It Taste Like?

Lobster mushrooms have a variety of flavors, though generally, it is meaty and dense with a sweet, nutty flavor.

Is It Healthy?

As any mushroom, lobster mushrooms are considered healthy food that is high in fiber and other nutrients.

Recipe To Try!

22. Long Squash

What Is Long Squash?

Long squash – aka opo squash – is a gord that is a culinary darling in Asian cuisine. It has a long, cylindrical shape and a vibrant green color. It grows in tropical areas.

What Does It Taste Like?

The flavor of this squash is quite mild (think: zucchini), but it becomes more bitter as it matures. It is often the main ingredient in curries and sabjis in India.

Is it Healthy?

You bet! This squash is extremely low in calories, yet packs in a ton of nutrients. It also has incredibly high water content.

23. Lotus Root

What Is Lotus Root?

This versatile root vegetable is common in Asian cuisine and tropical regions. As you can probably guess, it is the root of the lotus plant, and it kind of looks like a squash.

What Does It Taste Like?

This root has a crunchy and wooden texture that gives it a unique taste that is complemented by spices.

Is It Healthy?

Lotus root was originally praised for its medicinal properties, and it can help prevent certain allergies or infections.

24. Lupin Beans

What Are Lupin Beans?

Lupin beans, or Lupini beans, are legumes popular in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They are yellow in color and are about the same size as white beans.

What Does It Taste Like?

These beans are slightly bitter, and earthy in flavor.

Is It Healthy?

Lupin Beans are a healthy snack, as they are high in protein and fiber, but make sure you are eating “sweet lupins” and not “bitter lupins”! Bitter lupins must be prepared carefully and soaked thoroughly before eating, because the alkaloids in the beans can be toxic.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found this list of vegetables that start with L helpful! To learn more about different names of fruits and other foods from around the world, or to simply jazz up your routine dinner rotation, take a look at some of our other food lists from A-Z.

• Foods That Start With T
• Foods That Start With F
• Foods That Start With U
• Foods That Start With X
• Foods That Start With I
• Fruits That Start With Z
• Vegetables That Start With M
• Fruits That Start With Q
• Foods That Start With N
• Foods That Start With C
• Foods That Start With A

Don’t forget to take a look at my other healthy eating guides so you can enjoy healthy, yet tasty food that the whole family will enjoy.

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