What Vegetables Are Primary in the US?

Spinach is one of the highest selling greens in the U.S.

Many types of vegetables are grown in the United States. The census of agriculture reports that about 100 fruit and vegetable commodities are grown in the country. According to the studies conducted by the U.S. Economic Research Service, the fruit and vegetable crops account for about 30 percent of the cash received for crops. Potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions are the vegetable crops in the U.S. that receive the highest revenue.

Potato

Potatoes are considered to be the most grown vegetable in the U.S., and it is the fourth most important food crop. There are three different kinds of potatoes raised in the United States. Apart from these, special varieties of potatoes, including colored potatoes and organic potatoes, are also raised. Red potato is characterized by its red skin, and provides a buttery potato flavor. White potatoes are oblong-shaped, and have thin and hard skin; they have a subtle flavor. Another special variety of potato is called russets, and these are oblong potatoes with a light brown skin. These are usually large in size, and provide a warm and nutty flavor.

Tomato

Tomato is the second most popular vegetable in the United States. California is the leading producer of tomatoes in the country. The state produces around 75 percent of the total amount of tomatoes produced in the country, and around 95 percent of the produce is used for canning. Commercial varieties of tomato are hard and uniform in shape. They are red and round. Another variety of tomato produced in the U.S. is the heirloom tomato. They are found in different shades, ranging from green to yellow and white. The heirloom varieties have a strong flavor when compared to the commercially produced variety.

Greens

Greens, especially lettuce, is the third major vegetable used in United States. The greens family includes broccoli, collards, spinach, turnips, mustard and kale, in addition to lettuce. These vegetables are available through the year, though the harvest is at its maximum from the end of December through March. California is the largest producer of lettuce and broccoli in the country. Broccoli, kale, lettuce and cauliflower are also grown in Florida. Americans use a lot of greens in salads, along with rich salad dressings. Broccoli is preferred all over the country for its taste.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is another produce that tops the list of major vegetables in the United States. Corn is most popular in frozen form in the country. Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa are the largest producers of sweet corn in the United States. Of these states, Iowa produces the largest amount of sweet corn.

References

• Netstate: Official State Vegetables
• University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Vegetables
• Life in USA: Fruits and Vegetables in America