Purple Produce: Should You Eat More Purple Fruits and Veggies?


Purple Produce to Grow at Home

Colorful foods pack a powerful nutritional punch. Interested in growing some in your own garden? Check out this list of some of my favorite types of perfectly purple produce to get started.

1. Beets

These earthy gems are full of betalains and are wonderful to grow yourself. They are delicious roasted in the oven.

A close up of 'Detroit Dark Red' beets set on a rustic surface with roots and leaves still attached.A close up of 'Detroit Dark Red' beets set on a rustic surface with roots and leaves still attached.

‘Detroit Dark Red’ Beets

Check out our sister site, Foodal for an easy recipe and find seeds to grow your own from Burpee.

You can read more about how to grow beets here.

2. Blackberries

Easy to enjoy as a yogurt or salad topper, in a pie, or on their own, these berries also make a quality potted plant!

A close up of freshly harvested 'Prime Ark 45' blackberries in a wicker basket.A close up of freshly harvested 'Prime Ark 45' blackberries in a wicker basket.

‘Prime-Ark 45®’ Blackberry

Live ‘Prime-Ark 45®’ blackberry plants are available from Burpee.

Read more about growing blackberries at home you can check out our guide for tips to start your own berry patch at home.

3. Black Currants

Sweet and tart, these fruits make a unique jam or jelly, and are also high in vitamin C.

A close up of a bunch of 'Consort' black currants growing on the bush surrounded by foliage.A close up of a bunch of 'Consort' black currants growing on the bush surrounded by foliage.

‘Consort Black’

‘Consort Black’ bare roots and live plants are available from Burpee.

5. Carrots

Who doesn’t love a crunchy carrot? Perfect for eating raw dipped in delicious hummus, or for roasting as a colorful side dish.

A close up of freshly harvested and cleaned 'Cosmic Purple' carrots set on a background of foliage.A close up of freshly harvested and cleaned 'Cosmic Purple' carrots set on a background of foliage.

‘Cosmic Purple’ Carrots

You can find seeds for ‘Cosmic Purple’ carrots available at Eden Brothers.

4. Eggplant

Amazing on its own, this vegetable is also able to soak up the flavors of whatever you cook it with.

Eggplant also makes an amazing addition to a chunky pasta sauce. Just remember to keep the peel on to maintain the anthocyanins!

A close up of a 'Black Beauty' eggplant growing from the plant surrounded by foliage. To the bottom right of the frame is a white circular logo and text.A close up of a 'Black Beauty' eggplant growing from the plant surrounded by foliage. To the bottom right of the frame is a white circular logo and text.

‘Black Beauty’ Eggplant

Get started with these ‘Black Beauty’ seeds, available from True Leaf Market.

And to learn more, check out our guide to growing eggplant.

6. Grapes

Super sweet and tasty right off the vine, or use your harvest in a homemade jelly.

A close up of freshly harvested 'Concord' grapes set on a wooden surface.A close up of freshly harvested 'Concord' grapes set on a wooden surface.

‘Concord’ Grapes

‘Concord’ is a classic variety with delicious flavor. Get your live plants from Burpee.

Learn how to plant and grow your own grapevines here.

7. Potatoes

Try these roasted with fresh homegrown herbs, add some colorful flare to a potato salad, or make homemade gnocchi.

A close up of 'Purple Majesty' potatoes with one in the foreground cut in half, set on a wooden surface.A close up of 'Purple Majesty' potatoes with one in the foreground cut in half, set on a wooden surface.

‘Purple Majesty’ Potatoes

‘Purple Majesty’ mini-tubers ready for planting  are available from Burpee in packs of 10 if you’d like to to add these to your garden!

And don’t forget to check out our tips for growing your own potatoes at home.

8. Red Cabbage

Okay, so it’s often called red cabbage, but we all know it’s really purple. Great in slaws (like this one from Foodal) and it grows well even in colder climates.

A close up of a 'Red Express' cabbage cut in half and set on a dark wood surface.A close up of a 'Red Express' cabbage cut in half and set on a dark wood surface.

‘Red Express’ Cabbage

Start your own cabbage patch with this fun cultivar – ‘Red Express’ seeds are available from Eden Brothers.

Read more about growing your own cabbage here.

9. Red Onion

See the above red/purple disclaimer. Flavorful and versatile, this is my favorite onion to use as a garnish!

A close up of a 'Red Burgundy' onion cut in half with some slices to the left of the frame, set on a wooden surface.A close up of a 'Red Burgundy' onion cut in half with some slices to the left of the frame, set on a wooden surface.

‘Red Burgundy’ Onion

‘Red Burgundy’ is a colorful cultivar that deserves a spot in your garden. Seeds are available from Eden Brothers.

And you can read all about growing your own bulb onions here.

Pump Up the Purple





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