leafy vegetable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leafy vegetable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to vegetables that have large, green leaves, often consumed for their nutritional value. Example: "Spinach and kale are popular leafy vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spinacia oleracea (spinach) is a cultivated leafy vegetable with a high content of iron.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are several antioxidant-rich forms of this leafy vegetable, which is derived from the cabbage of the mustard family.

Britannica

And dinner was simple: porridge, stuffed pork naans, a couple of pickled dishes, a green leafy vegetable.

The New Yorker

I give all my leafy vegetable crops in pots a weekly helping of seaweed feed and comfrey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fascinating ethnography "Jamaican Food," by B. W. Higman, suggests that "callaloo has become both the generic green leafy vegetable of Jamaica and a particular plant".

The New York Times

The variant common in Rome's restaurants is a dark, slightly sour leafy vegetable whose appearance resembles that old standard, cooked spinach.

The New York Times

Even after a full day's work, Desire might only be able to afford some cooking oil and rape – a bitter, leafy vegetable.

The Guardian

Some argue that fresh mushrooms should never meet with water, while others prefer washing mushrooms as you might a leafy vegetable.

The New York Times - Food

Sprouts may be on the up, but they are eclipsed in terms of sales growth by kale – the dark green leafy vegetable once dismissed as animal food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family which is originated from California.

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Leafy vegetable wastes are a very important class of vegetable residues.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the nutritional benefits, pair "leafy vegetable" with specific vitamins or minerals it provides (e.g., "Leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin K.")

Common error

Avoid using "leafy vegetable" as a synonym for all green vegetables. Ensure the context explicitly refers to the leaf portion being consumed, not just the color.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leafy vegetable" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its descriptive role in identifying a category of edible plants.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leafy vegetable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, confirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to vegetables characterized by their prominent leaves. It is employed across diverse fields, including science, news, and encyclopedias, with a neutral level of formality. To enhance clarity, it’s best paired with specific nutritional details. Remember that while often interchangeable, "leafy greens" is a more specific term. The phrase's common presence in various sources underscores its importance in discussions about diet, agriculture, and health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leaf vegetables

A slight variation in word order, still maintaining the original meaning.

Leafy greens

Focuses on the green color of the vegetables, emphasizing the color aspect.

Green vegetables

Broader term that includes leafy and non-leafy green vegetables.

Salad greens

Refers specifically to leafy vegetables commonly used in salads.

Green leaf crops

More agricultural term referring to leafy vegetables cultivated as crops.

Vegetable greens

Highlights the green parts of various vegetables, not necessarily only leaves.

Edible leaves

Emphasizes the edibility and the leaf structure but could include non-vegetable leaves.

Cabbage family vegetables

Focuses on the Brassica family, which includes many leafy greens, but excludes others.

Spinach-like vegetables

Compares to spinach, implies similar texture and usage, but is less direct.

Lettuce and similar produce

Uses lettuce as an example and broadens to similar types of produce.

FAQs

What are some examples of leafy vegetables?

Common examples of "leafy vegetables" include spinach, kale, lettuce, collard greens, and Swiss chard. These are often used in salads, cooked as side dishes, or added to soups and stews.

What are the nutritional benefits of leafy vegetables?

Leafy vegetables are generally rich in vitamins (such as A, C, and K), minerals (like iron and calcium), and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

How do I store leafy vegetables to keep them fresh?

To keep "leafy vegetables" fresh, wash and dry them thoroughly, then store them in a plastic bag or container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator. This helps absorb excess moisture.

What's the difference between "leafy greens" and "leafy vegetables"?

While often used interchangeably, "leafy greens" typically refers to the edible green leaves of plants. "Leafy vegetable" is a broader term that specifies these greens are consumed as vegetables, clarifying their culinary use.