12 Common Vegetables That Start With I

Indigo rose tomato is a unique variety of tomato that has been bred to produce high levels of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the blue and purple colors found in many fruits.

This variety, developed by Oregon State University, is known for its striking dark purple to almost black coloration on the parts of the fruit that are exposed to direct sunlight, while the shaded parts remain green when unripe and turn red when ripe.

The inside of the tomato is red or deep pink. Indigo Rose tomatoes are small, about 2 inches in diameter, and grow in clusters. They are described as having a slightly acidic flavor and are valued for their ornamental appearance.

Iceberg lettuce is a popular variety of lettuce known for its crisp texture and mild flavor. It features tightly packed, pale green leaves forming a round head, resembling a cabbage.

Iceberg lettuce is a staple in salads and is commonly used in sandwiches, burgers, and wraps due to its crunchy texture.

It is widely available and is a favorite choice for use in various culinary applications where texture is prized alongside or even above flavor.

Indian spinach, commonly known as Malabar spinach or Basella alba, is a leafy green vegetable that thrives in tropical climates.

Unlike traditional spinach, Malabar spinach is a vine with thick, juicy leaves that have a mild flavor and mucilaginous texture, somewhat similar to okra when cooked.

It comes in two varieties: one with green leaves and stems, and another with reddish-purple stems that add a colorful accent to dishes. This vegetable is a staple in various Asian and African cuisines, where it is used in soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Italian red onion, known for its mild and sweet flavor, is a variety of red onion with a deep purple outer skin and reddish flesh.

These onions are larger and flatter in shape compared to other red onions, making them an ideal choice for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes where their vibrant color and sweet taste can shine.

Italian red onions are particularly famous for being used raw in dishes, but they can also be grilled or lightly cooked to enhance their sweetness. They are a key ingredient in Italian cooking, from pasta sauces to vegetable sautés.

Ivory gourd is a small, elongated vegetable with an ivory-colored skin and a crisp interior. Known also as tindora, it has a slightly bitter to sweet taste when cooked.

This vegetable is mainly used in Indian cuisine, where it can be stir-fried with spices, added to curries, or pickled. Its texture ranges from crunchy when raw to soft when cooked, making it versatile for various dishes.

Ivy Gourd, known scientifically as Coccinia grandis, is a tropical vine that is grown for its edible young shoots and fruits.

Commonly found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions, ivy gourd is a part of local cuisines where it is often cooked as a vegetable. The plant can grow quite invasively in suitable climates, covering large areas quickly.

The fruits are small, resembling miniature cucumbers, and are used in a variety of dishes. In Indian cuisine, for example, ivy gourd is often stir-fried with spices or added to curries.

The taste of ivy gourd is somewhat similar to that of a mild cucumber or zucchini, with a slightly crunchy texture.

Idaho Potato refers to potatoes that are grown in the state of Idaho, United States. Idaho is renowned for its ideal growing conditions for potatoes, including its volcanic soil, climate, and irrigation from the melting snow of the nearby mountains.

The term often specifically refers to russet potatoes, which are large, with a thick, dark brown skin and a starchy, fluffy interior. These potatoes are highly versatile and are commonly used for baking, mashing, and making French fries.

Indian round gourd, also known as Tinda, is a small, apple-sized vegetable that is green and resembles a green apple in appearance. It is primarily grown in India, Pakistan, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

The flesh of the round gourd is mild and slightly sweet when cooked, with a texture that is soft yet retains a bit of crunch. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine, often cooked as a curry or stewed with spices.

Ice plant is a type of succulent plant known for its distinctive appearance, with fleshy leaves covered in glistening bladder cells that resemble ice crystals, hence its name.

Native to Africa, Sinai, and southern Europe, it has naturalized in various parts of the world. Ice plant is edible and has been used in some cuisines, particularly in Japan where it’s known as “ice plant” or “salt leaf” and is valued for its crunchy texture and slightly salty taste.

It’s often used in salads and as a garnish, adding a unique visual and textural element to dishes.

Indian pea is a variety of legumes used in Indian cuisine, but one specific example is Lathyrus sativus, also known as grass pea, chickling pea, or chickling vetch. This legume is grown for human consumption and livestock feed in Asia and East Africa.

It’s an important crop in areas prone to drought and famine, known as an ‘insurance crop’ due to its reliable yields under harsh conditions. The seeds contain a neurotoxin that can cause lathyrism if consumed in large quantities as a primary protein source.

In culinary use, the seeds are often made into flour for dishes like “gachas manchegas” in Spain, despite historical restrictions due to toxicity concerns.

Irish moss is a species of red algae commonly found along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.

Known for its rich content of carrageenan, a polysaccharide widely used as a thickener and stabilizer in the food industry, Irish moss is also consumed directly in some regions.

In its natural state, it varies in color from greenish-yellow to dark purple and has a soft, cartilaginous texture. When boiled, it forms a jelly-like substance, making it a traditional ingredient in puddings, creams, and other dishes requiring a thickening agent.

Ice cream bean belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae, and is widely appreciated not only for its edible qualities but also for its role in traditional agroforestry systems.

Its fruits are long, cylindrical pods that can grow up to 1 meter in length, containing seeds surrounded by a sweet, cottony pulp that gives the bean its name due to its resemblance to vanilla ice cream in taste.

Some varieties even hint at a cinnamon flavor, adding to their culinary appeal.