17 Wonderful Vegetables That Start With W

Discover a world of vibrant flavors and nutritious options as we explore vegetables that start with the letter W. From the crunchy delight of watercress to the hearty versatility of white beans, these vegetables add color and health to any meal. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply looking to diversify your diet, learn about these fascinating W vegetables and how they can elevate your cooking. Let’s dive into this unique vegetable journey!

1. Water Spinach

Water Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that grows in water. It has tender stems and leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

• Calories per 100g: 19
• Key nutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium
• Fiber: High
• Antioxidant: Rich in flavonoids and carotenoids

Great for stir-fries, salads, or added to soups.

2. Wax Beans

Wax Beans are yellow and tender. They add color and sweetness to salads or can be steamed as a side dish.

• Calories per 100g: 31
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, folate, potassium
• Fiber: Moderate
• Antioxidant: Contains carotenoids

Enjoy steamed, boiled, or in casseroles.

3. Winged Bean

The Winged Bean features unique ridged pods and edible leaves. It’s a nutritious tropical vegetable with a mild flavor.

• Calories per 100g: 60
• Key nutrients: Protein, Vitamin C, potassium
• Fiber: Good amount
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains bioactive compounds

Use in stir-fries, curries, or eaten raw in salads.

4. Welsh Onion

Welsh Onion, also known as scallion or green onion, has a mild onion flavor and is great raw or cooked.

• Calories per 100g: 32
• Key nutrients: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese
• Fiber: Moderate
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains quercetin and other antioxidants

Perfect for salads, soups, and as a garnish.

5. White Radish (Daikon)

Daikon is a large white root with a mild, crunchy texture. It’s common in Asian dishes and salads.

• Calories per 100g: 18
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, potassium, calcium
• Fiber: High
• Antioxidant: Contains enzymes that aid digestion

Use raw in salads, pickled, or cooked in stir-fries.

6. White Asparagus

White Asparagus is a tender, mild-tasting vegetable often enjoyed steamed or boiled, especially in European cuisine.

• Calories per 100g: 20
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, Vitamin B9, potassium
• Fiber: Moderate
• Antioxidant: Contains ferulic acid

Best served with hollandaise sauce or as a side dish.

7. Wild Leek (Ramps)

Wild Leek, or Ramps, has a strong garlic-onion flavor. It’s often foraged in spring and used in cooking.

• Calories per 100g: 125
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium
• Fiber: Moderate
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains sulfur compounds beneficial for health

Great in pesto, sautés, or as a flavoring ingredient.

8. Wild Endive

Wild Endive is a leafy green with a slightly bitter taste, used in salads or cooked dishes.

• Calories per 100g: 17
• Key nutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium
• Fiber: High
• Antioxidant: Rich in phytochemicals that support immunity

Best raw in salads or lightly sautéed.

9. Wax Gourd (Winter Melon)

Wax Gourd, also called Winter Melon, is a large, pale green vegetable with a mild flavor. It absorbs flavors well when cooked.

• Calories per 100g: 13
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, zinc, dietary fiber
• Fiber: Good amount
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains antioxidants and compounds aiding digestion

Commonly used in soups or stews.

10. Wild Garlic

Wild Garlic has a strong garlic smell and flavor. It’s ideal for pesto, salads, or garnishing dishes.

• Calories per 100g: 44
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, manganese, selenium
• Fiber: Moderate
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains allicin, which supports immune health

Use raw or cooked to add flavor to meals.

11. Walla Walla Onion

The Walla Walla Onion is a sweet, large onion variety from Washington state. It has a mild, sweet flavor.

• Calories per 100g: 40
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, manganese
• Fiber: Moderate
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains quercetin and sulfur compounds

Perfect raw on sandwiches or cooked in dishes.

12. Wawa Choy (Chinese Cabbage)

Wawa Choy is a type of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and mild flavor, common in Asian soups and stir-fries.

• Calories per 100g: 13
• Key nutrients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium
• Fiber: Good
• Antioxidant: Carotenoids and flavonoids

Best stir-fried or used in soups.

13. Watercress

Watercress is a peppery green vegetable, high in nutrients and antioxidants. It adds flavor and nutrition to salads and sandwiches.

• Calories per 100g: 11
• Key nutrients: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, calcium
• Fiber: Moderate
• Antioxidant: Rich in flavonoids and glucosinolates

Enjoy raw in salads or as a garnish.

14. White Onion

White Onion has a clean, mild onion flavor, used in many culinary dishes worldwide.

• Calories per 100g: 40
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, B vitamins, manganese
• Fiber: Moderate
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains quercetin and sulfur compounds

Great raw in salads, or cooked in a variety of recipes.

15. White Potato

White Potato is a starchy vegetable that provides energy and comfort foods like mashed potatoes and fries.

• Calories per 100g: 77
• Key nutrients: Vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6
• Fiber: Moderate
• Antioxidant: Contains chlorogenic acid

Best baked, boiled, or roasted.

16. White Mushroom

White Mushrooms are versatile fungi with a mild flavor, used in salads, soups, and sautés.

• Calories per 100g: 22
• Key nutrients: B vitamins, selenium, copper
• Fiber: Good
• Antioxidant: Rich in polyphenols

Cooked or added raw to salads and pasta dishes.

17. Winter Squash (e.g., Butternut, Acorn)

Winter Squash features sweet, dense flesh and is enjoyed roasted, pureed, or in soups during colder months.

• Calories per 100g: 45
• Key nutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium
• Fiber: High
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains carotenoids and antioxidants

Great baked, roasted, or in hearty stews.