Five Underrated Vegetables Everyone Should Grow in Colorado
When most people think of growing vegetables in Colorado, they typically imagine the classics: tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers. However, the Centennial State’s unique climate offers a prime opportunity to grow a wide range of lesser-known, yet equally rewarding vegetables. These underrated crops are not only hardy but also thrive in Colorado’s diverse conditions, from the higher altitudes to the semi-arid plains. Here are five underrated vegetables you should consider adding to your Colorado garden.
1. Kohlrabi: The Alien-Looking Brassica
Kohlrabi, often described as a cross between a turnip and a cabbage, is a versatile vegetable that deserves more attention. This cool-season crop is well-suited to Colorado’s climate, particularly during the spring and fall months when temperatures are moderate.
Kohlrabi is a member of the brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. What makes it stand out is its bulbous stem, which can be eaten raw or cooked. The flesh is crisp, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that resembles a mix of broccoli stem and radish.
One of the key advantages of growing kohlrabi in Colorado is its resistance to frost. This makes it a great candidate for extending your growing season. It can be sown directly into the ground as soon as the soil is workable in early spring, and successive plantings can be made until early fall. Plus, it’s relatively pest-resistant, which means fewer worries about insect damage.
2.Sunchokes: The Nutty Tubers
Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes, are another underrated vegetable that thrives in Colorado. Despite their name, they are not related to artichokes but are actually a type of sunflower. The tubers resemble ginger roots and have a crisp texture with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Sunchokes are particularly well-suited to Colorado’s climate because they are drought-tolerant and thrive in a variety of soils, including the sandy and loamy soils often found in the state. Once established, they require minimal care and can be harvested late in the season after the first frost, which sweetens their flavor.
Another reason to grow sunchokes is their nutritional value. They are rich in inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that promotes gut health. Sunchokes can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to salads and purees, making them a versatile addition to your garden.
3.Ground Cherries: The Sweet Surprise
Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries or cape gooseberries, are a unique and underrated fruiting vegetable that resembles tiny tomatillos. They grow inside a papery husk and, when ripe, have a sweet, tropical flavor with hints of pineapple, vanilla, and cherry.
These small fruits are perfect for Colorado gardens because they are relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand the state’s variable weather. Ground cherries are also easy to grow from seed and can be started indoors before transplanting outside after the last frost.
What makes ground cherries particularly appealing is their versatility. They can be eaten fresh, added to salads, or used in jams, pies, and even salsas. Plus, they have a long shelf life when kept in their husks, making them a great choice for preserving the harvest.
4.Chicory: The Bitter Green with Depth
Chicory is a leafy green that is often overlooked in favor of more common salad greens like lettuce and spinach. However, this bitter green is well worth growing, especially in Colorado’s climate. Chicory is highly adaptable and can be grown in both cool and warm seasons, making it a great choice for year-round gardening.
Chicory leaves have a robust, slightly bitter flavor that adds depth to salads, and they can also be cooked to mellow their bitterness. The roots can be harvested and roasted as a coffee substitute, a practice that dates back centuries.
One of the benefits of growing chicory in Colorado is its tolerance to poor soil conditions. It has deep roots that can access nutrients in subsoil, making it a resilient plant even in less-than-ideal garden beds. Additionally, chicory’s flowers, which bloom into beautiful blue blossoms, attract pollinators like bees, making it a valuable plant for supporting local ecosystems.
5.Mâche: The Delicate Salad Green
Mâche, also known as corn salad or lamb’s lettuce, is a delicate salad green that is far less common than lettuce or spinach but deserves a spot in your Colorado garden. Mâche is incredibly cold-hardy, often surviving temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C). This makes it an ideal crop for late fall, winter, and early spring gardening in Colorado.
Mâche has a mild, nutty flavor with a buttery texture that makes it a delightful addition to salads. It is typically grown in the cooler months, as it prefers cooler temperatures and can bolt quickly in the heat. However, Colorado’s cool evenings and shorter growing season allow for a longer harvest period compared to warmer regions.
Another advantage of growing mâche is its nutritional profile. It’s high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate. Plus, it’s relatively pest-free and can be grown in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground.
Growing a diverse range of vegetables in your Colorado garden not only enhances your culinary options but also helps create a more resilient and sustainable growing space. These five underrated vegetables—kohlrabi, sunchokes, ground cherries, chicory, and mâche—offer unique flavors, nutritional benefits, and the ability to thrive in Colorado’s variable climate. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice looking to expand your horizons, consider adding these lesser-known gems to your garden. They may not be the first vegetables that come to mind, but they could quickly become your new favorites.
Source:
