The Hidden Treasures of Nature: Fruits That Grow Underground

Key Takeaways

• Fruits that grow underground are edible parts of plants that store energy for the plant’s seed
• Some examples of fruits that grow underground are peanuts, carrots, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, radishes, turnips, rutabagas, onions, and garlic
• Fruits that grow underground are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are essential for human health
• Fruits that grow underground can help prevent or treat some common diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, etc.
• Fruits that grow underground can be grown in your own garden with some general tips and best practices
• Fruits that grow underground can be cooked and enjoyed in various ways with some specific recipes and ideas

Table of Contents

• What Are Fruits That Grow Underground?
• How to Grow Fruits That Grow Underground in Your Own Garden
• How to Cook and Enjoy Fruits That Grow Underground
• What Are the Health Benefits of Fruits That Grow Underground?
• Conclusion

What Are Fruits That Grow Underground?

You may have heard of the term “fruit” before, but do you know what it really means? According to the botanical definition, a fruit is the part of a flowering plant that contains the seeds. Fruits are usually sweet and juicy, such as apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, etc. However, not all fruits are like that. Some fruits are actually vegetables in the culinary sense, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc. And some fruits are even hidden under the ground!

Fruits that grow underground are edible parts of plants that store energy for the plant’s seed. They are usually root vegetables, tubers, or legumes. Root vegetables are plants that have enlarged roots that can be eaten, such as carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, rutabagas, etc. Tubers are plants that have swollen stems or roots that can be eaten, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, etc. Legumes are plants that have pods that contain seeds that can be eaten, such as peanuts, beans, peas, lentils, etc.

Some of the most common and popular fruits that grow underground are:

To understand how fruits that grow underground develop from flowers to pods or roots, let’s take a look at some images or diagrams:

This is how peanuts grow: first, a yellow flower blooms on the stem of the plant. Then, the flower wilts and bends down to touch the soil. The flower then forms a peg that grows into the soil and develops into a pod that contains one to four seeds.

This is how carrots grow: first, a white or purple flower blooms on the stem of the plant. Then, the flower produces seeds that can be used to grow new plants. The root of the plant grows under the soil and becomes thick and fleshy.

This is how beets grow: first, a pink or purple flower blooms on the stem of the plant. Then, the flower produces seeds that can be used to grow new plants. The root of the plant grows under the soil and becomes swollen and colorful.

This is how potatoes grow: first, a white or purple flower blooms on the stem of the plant. Then, the flower produces small green fruits that contain seeds that can be used to grow new plants. The stem of the plant grows under the soil and forms tubers that store starch and water.

How to Grow Fruits That Grow Underground in Your Own Garden

Growing fruits that grow underground in your own garden can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can enjoy fresh and organic produce, save money, and improve your health. Plus, you can also help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint and waste.

To grow fruits that grow underground in your own garden, you need to follow some general tips and best practices, such as:

• Choose a sunny and well-drained spot for your garden. Most fruits that grow underground need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and do not like soggy soil.
• Prepare the soil by loosening it, removing weeds, rocks, and debris, and adding organic matter, such as compost or manure. The soil should be rich, fertile, and loose enough for the roots or tubers to grow.
• Plant the seeds or seedlings at the right time and depth according to the instructions on the package or label. Some fruits that grow underground can be planted in early spring, while others need to wait until the soil is warm enough.
• Water the plants regularly but not too much. The soil should be moist but not wet. Too much water can cause rotting or diseases.
• Fertilize the plants occasionally with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the directions on the package or label and do not over-fertilize.
• Harvest the fruits when they are ready. Depending on the type of fruit, you can harvest them when they are young and tender, or when they are mature and fully developed. You can use a fork or a shovel to gently dig them out of the soil.

To grow some of the most common and popular fruits that grow underground in your own garden, you can follow these specific instructions and advice:

• Peanuts: Peanuts are easy to grow in warm climates. You can plant them in late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is above 18°C (65°F). You can use raw peanuts from the grocery store or buy peanut seeds online or from a nursery. Plant them about 5 cm (2 inches) deep and 20 cm (8 inches) apart in rows that are 60 cm (24 inches) apart. Water them well after planting and then only when the soil is dry. Fertilize them once or twice during the growing season with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Harvest them in late summer or early fall when the leaves turn yellow and fall off. Dig up the entire plant with the pods attached and hang them upside down in a warm and dry place for a few weeks to cure.
• Carrots: Carrots are easy to grow in cool climates. You can plant them in early spring or late summer when the soil temperature is between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (70°F). You can buy carrot seeds online or from a nursery. Plant them about 1 cm (0.5 inch) deep and 5 cm (2 inches) apart in rows that are 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Water them well after planting and then only when the soil is dry. Thin out the seedlings when they are about 10 cm (4 inches) tall to give them more space to grow. Fertilize them once or twice during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Harvest them when they are about 2 cm (0.75 inch) in diameter at the top or when they reach your desired size. Pull them out of the soil gently by their tops or use a fork to loosen them.
• Beets: Beets are easy to grow in cool climates. You can plant them in early spring or late summer when the soil temperature is between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (70°F). You can buy beet seeds online or from a nursery. Plant them about 1 cm (0.5 inch) deep and 5 cm (2 inches) apart in rows that are 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Water them well after planting and then only when the soil is dry. Thin out the seedlings when they are about 10 cm (4 inches) tall to give them more space to grow. Fertilize them once or twice during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Harvest them when they are about 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter at the top or when they reach your desired size. Cut off the leaves about 2 cm (1 inch) above the root and store them separately.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are easy to grow in most climates. You can plant them in late winter or early spring when the soil temperature is above 10°C (50°F). You can use seed potatoes from the grocery store or buy certified seed potatoes online or from a nursery. Cut them into pieces that have at least one eye each and let them dry for a day or two before planting. Plant them about 10 cm (4 inches) deep and 30 cm (12 inches) apart in rows that are 90 cm (36 inches) apart. Water them well after planting and then only when the soil is dry. Fertilize them once or twice during the growing season with a high-potassium fertilizer. Harvest them in late summer or early fall when the leaves die back. Dig them up carefully with a fork or a shovel and let them dry for a few hours before storing them.

How to Cook and Enjoy Fruits That Grow Underground

Fruits that grow underground are not only good for your health, but also for your taste buds. They can be cooked and enjoyed in various ways, from simple to sophisticated, from savory to sweet, from traditional to exotic. You can use them as ingredients for soups, salads, casseroles, pies, cakes, and more. You can also eat them raw, boiled, baked, roasted, fried, or mashed. The possibilities are endless!

To cook and enjoy fruits that grow underground, you need to follow some general tips and best practices, such as:

• Wash the fruits thoroughly before peeling or cutting them. Use a vegetable brush or a cloth to scrub off any dirt or sand. Rinse them well under running water.
• Peel or cut the fruits according to your preference or recipe. Use a sharp knife or a peeler to remove the skin or any blemishes. Cut them into even pieces or slices for even cooking.
• Boil, bake, roast, or fry the fruits until they are soft and tender. Use a pot of water, an oven, a baking sheet, or a skillet to cook the fruits. Add some salt, oil, butter, herbs, spices, or other seasonings to enhance the flavor. Check the doneness by inserting a fork or a knife into the flesh. It should go in easily without resistance.
• Enjoy the fruits as they are or with some toppings or sauces. You can eat the fruits plain or add some cheese, sour cream, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, or whipped cream to make them more delicious. You can also make some sauces or gravies to go with the fruits, such as cheese sauce, tomato sauce, mushroom sauce, etc.

To cook and enjoy some of the most delicious and nutritious dishes with fruits that grow underground, you can follow these specific recipes and ideas:

• Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a creamy and nutty spread that you can make with peanuts and a food processor. You can use it as a dip for fruits or vegetables, a spread for bread or crackers, a filling for sandwiches or cookies, or an ingredient for smoothies or desserts. To make peanut butter, you need:
  • 2 cups of roasted peanuts (unsalted or salted)
  • 2 tablespoons of oil (peanut oil or any neutral oil)
  • A pinch of salt (optional)
  • A pinch of sugar (optional)
• To make peanut butter:
  • Place the peanuts in a food processor and process until they are finely chopped.
  • Add the oil and salt and sugar if using and process until they are smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more oil if needed.
  • Transfer the peanut butter to a jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
• Carrot cake: Carrot cake is a moist and fluffy cake that you can make with carrots and other ingredients. You can serve it as a dessert or a snack with some cream cheese frosting on top. To make carrot cake, you need:
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 3 cups of grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

To make carrot cake:

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In another large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Stir in the carrots and walnuts if using.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
• Cut into pieces and serve with cream cheese frosting if desired.
• Beet salad: Beet salad is a colorful and refreshing salad that you can make with beets and other ingredients. You can serve it as a side dish or a main course with some bread or crackers. To make beet salad, you need:
  • 4 medium beets (red or yellow)
  • 4 cups of baby spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (toasted)
  • 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To make beet salad:

• Peel and chop the beets into bite-sized pieces.
• Place them in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
• In a large salad bowl, toss the spinach leaves with the feta cheese and the walnuts.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Add the beets to the salad and drizzle the dressing over them. Toss gently to combine.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Potato chips: Potato chips are thin and crispy slices of potatoes that you can make with potatoes and oil. You can eat them as a snack or an appetizer with some ketchup or dip. To make potato chips, you need:
  • 4 large potatoes (russet or any starchy variety)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable oil or any neutral oil)
  • Salt to taste

To make potato chips:

• Peel and slice the potatoes into very thin rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Rinse them well under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 190°C (375°F). You can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature or drop a small piece of potato in the oil. If it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.
• Fry the potato slices in batches until they are golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Do not overcrowd the skillet or the chips will stick together and become soggy.
• Transfer the chips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Sprinkle salt over them while they are still hot.
• Enjoy them while they are fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

What Are the Health Benefits of Fruits That Grow Underground?

Fruits that grow underground are not only tasty, but also healthy. They are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are essential for human health. They can help prevent or treat some common diseases and conditions, such as:

• Diabetes: Fruits that grow underground are high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes. They can also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is a common complication of diabetes.
• Heart disease: Fruits that grow underground are high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension. They can also help lower cholesterol levels and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.
• Cancer: Fruits that grow underground are high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. They can also help modulate inflammation and immune response, which can affect cancer development and progression.
• Obesity: Fruits that grow underground are low in calories and high in water content, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer. They can also help boost your metabolism and burn more calories, which can help you lose weight.

To support these claims, here are some scientific evidence or studies that you can cite:

• A study by Jenkins et al. (2012) found that eating peanuts as part of a low-glycemic index diet improved glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients.
• A study by Bazzano et al. (2013) found that eating more potassium-rich foods, such as potatoes, reduced blood pressure and stroke risk in adults.
• A study by Kujawska et al. (2009) found that beetroot juice had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in rats with colon cancer.
• A study by Vinson et al. (2012) found that eating purple potatoes reduced blood pressure and body weight in obese subjects.

Conclusion

Fruits that grow underground are amazing gifts from nature that you should not miss. They are delicious, nutritious, versatile, and easy to grow. They can provide you with many health benefits and prevent or treat some common diseases and conditions. They can also make your meals more colorful and enjoyable.