All 13 Vegetables That Start With K (The Longest List)

HurryTheFoodUp is reader-powered. If you click through using links on our site we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Did you know there are only 13 vegetables that start with k? It’s true – and I have them all listed here, from kale to kai-lan! So if you are looking to learn something new, or want to impress everyone at the next pub quiz, this is the place to start!

First things first, let’s go through the criteria I used to determine what made the list. The primary condition was that the name of the vegetable begins with the letter k, of course. But how did I determine what counts as a vegetable?

I chose to use the botanical definition of a vegetable, which is that of any edible part of a plant that is not its mature ovary. There are various different parts of plants that come under this category:

Roots: This is the part of the plant that goes underground and attaches it (roots it) to the soil. Root vegetables include potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips and carrots. They all grow underground…but not all vegetables that grow underground are roots:

Bulbs: Bulbs also grow underground! These are usually short stems that function as a food storage organ for the plant. Examples include onions, garlic and spring onions.

Stems: This is the main body of a plant, connecting all the other parts. Examples of stem vegetables include asparagus, kohlrabi and celery.

Leaves: Plant leaves are where photosynthesis occurs. Examples of green leaves that are vegetables include spinach, kale and lettuce. Leafy green vegetable are often used in salads.

Seeds: Beans such as broad beans and fava bean are examples of seeds that are vegetables. Seeds are where the reproductive data of a plant is stored. Peas are also seeds.

Now you know what different types of vegetables you will be finding on this list, you can get started learning the names of vegetables that start with k! Once you’re done with this, why not check out my lists of fruits that start with k? From Korean pears to key limes, I’ve got all bases covered.

There is also the entire list of foods that start with K! I bet you can’t list them!

List of vegetables that start with K

Are you ready to learn the complete list of vegetables that start with k? Let’s go!

Kabocha Squash

Kabocha squash is a type of winter squash. It is round like a pumpkin, but smaller and with dark green knobbly skin. It is distinguished by its exceptionally sweet taste. It can taste like a mixture of sweet potato and pumpkin, or even, at times, russet potatoes or chestnuts. In Japan, this squash is commonly used in tempura, soups and croquettes.

Its scientific name is Cucurbita Maxima.

Kai-lan

Kai-lan is more commonly known in English as Chinese Broccoli. It is a leaf vegetable with long stems and broccoli-like florets (but a lot smaller). It tastes stronger and more bitter than regular broccoli. In Chinese cuisine it is often stir-fried with ginger and garlic.

Its scientific name is quite a mouthful: Brassica oleracea var. Alboglabra.

Kale

One of the more well-known vegetable names on this list and a grocery store staple! Kale is a green leafy vegetable, part of the cabbage family. The health benefits of kale are numerous! It is a great source of vitamin C, A, B6, folate and manganese. It also contains plenty of dietary minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

Its scientific name is Brassica Oleracea var Sabellica.

Kenchur

Also known as aromatic ginger or sand cherry, this root vegetable is a member of the same family as galangal and ginger. It has a gentler and more aromatic flavor than its relatives and is frequently used in Thai and Malaysian curries.

Its scientific name is Kaempferia Galanga.

Kangkong

Also known as water spinach, this semi-aquatic plant is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia. It is a great crop because it grows near waterways and requires very little attention. It is a very popular vegetable in stir fries across Asia.

Its scientific name is Ipomoea Aquatica.

Kelp

Kelp is a sea vegetable that grows in shallow nutrient-dense saltwater in coastal areas around the world, from the united states to asia. It is extremely nutritious, a good source of vitamin K, folate, magnesium and iron. It can be eaten dry or fresh. Try adding it to a yummy soup!

Its scientific name is Laminariales.

Kidney Beans

Did you know that this variety of bean earns its name from the fact that it resembles the human kidney? They are also one of the most toxic bean varieties if eaten without being soaked first. They contain higher quantities of phytohemagglutinin than other bean varieties. It is recommended that you boil them for 30 minutes to ensure that the toxin is completely destroyed.

Their scientific name is Phaseolus Vulgaris.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a root vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. They have a squat round bulb and a long stem and leaves. They have a crisp texture and a sweet flavor, comparable to water chestnuts. They can be eaten raw or cooked.

The scientific name of the kohlrabi is Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group.

Komatsuna

Komatsuna, or Japanase mustard spinach, is a leaf vegetable from the same family as turnips and cabbage. It is eaten raw, pickled, stir fried or boiled by humans, however it is also used as fodder for animals.

Its scientific name is Brassica rapa var. perviridis.

Kombu

Kombu, or konbu, is a form of edible kelp eaten mainly in Asian countries. It is a staple of Japanese cuisine. It has been eaten in Japan for an estimated 1500 years! There are in fact 18 different species that are part of this family, many, but not all, of which are called kombu.

Its scientific name is Laminariaceae.

Kurrat

Kurrat is also known as egyptian leek. It is grown across the Middle East mainly for its leaves. It is closely related to the common leek and has similar uses. You can eat the bulb, leaves and flowers – so basically the entire plant!

Its scientific name is Allium Amepeloprasum var. Kurrat.

Kuka

Kuka is the name for baobab in the ‘Hausa’ language spoken in Nigeria. The flowers on this tree open so quickly it can be perceived by the naked eye, and they only flower for around 15 hours! The tree’s leaves may be eaten as a vegetable, for example in soup.

The scientific name for the genus of baobab trees is Adansonia.

Kyona

Also known as Japanese mustard greens (not to be confused with Komatsuna, Japanese mustard spinach!). It has small dark greens and is described as having a similar piquant flavor to rocket that will set your taste buds tingling.

Its scientific name is Brassica rapa var. Niposinica.

I hope you enjoyed learning all the vegetables that start with k! If there are any other lists of foods that you want me to create, just drop me a line in the comments section! There are always more vocabulary words to be learnt!