Foods of Ireland
Vegetables
Vegetables eaten in Ireland can be divided into three different types. Tuber/root vegetables
include potatoes, carrots and turnips while examples of leafy vegetables are spinach,
lettuce and endive. Brassicas include cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli and
cauliflower.Vegetables are very nutritious, versatile in cooking and taste great. Health
experts recommend that we eat four or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day as part
of a balanced diet. Therefore, the wide range of top quality vegetables available are a vital
contributor to a healthy lifestyle.
This section on vegetables outlines the varieties available, main production areas in Ireland,
the nutritional and calorie content of each vegetable and tips for cooking and storing. There
are also a range of imaginative recipe ideas for preparing delicious and nutritious meals with
vegetables.
Fruit
A wide variety of delicious fruits are grown in Ireland ranging from apples, strawberries
and blackberries to gooseberries, loganberries and raspberries. New growing techniques
and plant varieties mean that fruit is now more readily available during the year.Very
popular with children, fruit tastes great, is full of vitamins and low in calories. As part of
a healthy balanced diet, fruit can be eaten raw or as part of flans, jellies and jams.
This section outlines the varieties of fruit available, the main areas where they are grown,
the nutritional and calorie content of each fruit and tips of cooking and storing. There are
also a range of imaginative recipe ideas for the different types of fruit.