Today, we’re embarking on a quick and quirky quest to uncover the quiet world of vegetables that start with Q. ‘Q’ might be one of the less common letters in our vegetable alphabet, but the veggies it represents are quite interesting and full of qualities that can make our meals more exciting. Let’s queue up for this adventure and discover the quaint and quirky vegetables that start with Q.

First in our quest is the Quinoa. Wait a minute, isn’t quinoa a grain? You’re right, but it’s often used like a vegetable in salads and dishes, and it’s so good for us that we just had to include it. Quinoa is packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids, making it a powerful plant-based nutrient source. Plus, it’s really fun to eat, with its tiny, fluffy grains that pop in your mouth.
Next, we have the Queen of Greens, also known as Kale. Okay, while Kale starts with a ‘K’, it deserves a spot in our ‘Q’ list because it’s a queen in the world of leafy greens. Kale is loaded with vitamins and minerals, and it can be eaten raw in salads, sautéed, or turned into crispy chips. It’s a versatile veggie that rules with its nutrient-rich leaves.
Then, there’s the quirky Quince, which is technically a fruit, but it’s often cooked like a vegetable in savory dishes. Quince has a bright yellow skin and is so hard and sour it’s usually not eaten raw. When cooked, however, it transforms into a sweet and tender treat, adding a unique flavor to dishes and desserts.
Our quick quest through the vegetables that start with Q (and honorary mentions) shows us that even the less common letters can bring exciting flavors and nutrients to our tables.
From the protein-packed Quinoa to the regal Kale and the curious Quince, each one offers something special to explore and enjoy. So, let’s keep our adventurous spirits high and our plates full of these quality ‘Q’ delights!
Discover more fun vegetables with our Vegetables that start with O and our Vegetables that start with P.

List of Vegetables That Start With Q
Here is a list of vegetables that start with Q in alphabetical order. How many do you know from this list? Scroll down to learn more about each vegetable!
- Quassia
- Quatre-épices
- Quercitron
- Quinoa
- Queen Anne’s lace
- Qalb alouzah (chayote)
- Qatayef (stuffed pancakes)
- Qiwam (okra stew)
- Quelite (Mexican herb)
- Quinault strawberry
- Qorma (Afghan stew)
- Queen’s Wreath (aka Antigonon leptopus)
- Queensland Arrowroot (aka Canna indica)
- Queen of the Night (aka Cereus hildmannianus)
- Queensland Nut (aka Macadamia integrifolia)
- Quandong
- Quetzal Flower
- Quokka Spinach
- Quisqualis indica
- Quokka Bean
- Quail Grass
- Qing Geng Cai
- Quince
- Quimbombo (Okra):
- Qin Cai (Chinese Kale)
- Qungco (Sorrel)
- Quash
- Quarterland Cress
- Queensland Blue Pumpkin
- Quelite (Lamb’s Quarters)

Fun Facts about Vegetables that Start with Q
Ready to increase your knowledge of vegetables that start with Q? Dive in and learn more about all the different vegetables on the list!

- Qalb alouzah (chayote): Qalb alouzah, or chayote, is a light green, crunchy vegetable that looks like a pear with wrinkles. It’s sweet and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in yummy dishes. Imagine a vegetable that’s also a sneaky fruit!
- Qing Geng Cai: Qing Geng Cai is a type of Chinese broccoli. It’s green and leafy with thick stems, and it tastes great in stir-fries. Think of it as a superhero veggie that loves to be in tasty adventures.
- Qin Cai (Chinese Kale): Qin Cai, or Chinese Kale, is similar to regular kale but with a sweeter taste. It’s like the kind cousin of kale that’s easier to get along with in meals.
- Quail Grass: Quail Grass is more commonly known as Lamb’s Quarters, a wild green that’s super nutritious. It’s like finding a secret veggie in your backyard that’s also a superfood.
- Quarte-épices: Quarte-épices isn’t a vegetable but a spice mix with four parts, used to make food taste amazing. It’s like a magic dust that makes every dish special.
- Quarterland Cress: Quarterland Cress might be a fancy name for a type of watercress or similar leafy green that’s spicy and peppery. It’s like the adventurous little sibling in the salad family.
- Quash: This might be a playful take on squash or an uncommon veggie waiting to be discovered. Imagine a vegetable that’s fun to say and even more fun to eat.
- Queelite (Mexican herb): Queelite is a term for various edible greens in Mexico, like a secret garden of tasty leaves that can make any meal more exciting and healthy.
- Quelite (Lamb’s Quarters): Quelite, or Lamb’s Quarters, is a wild green that’s tasty and nutritious, popping up in gardens and adding a wild twist to meals.
- Queen Anne’s lace: Queen Anne’s lace is actually a wild carrot, but it’s the flowers that get all the attention. The root is edible, like a hidden treasure beneath beautiful lacy flowers.

- Queensland Arrowroot (aka Canna indica): This plant’s root can be used like arrowroot powder, great for thickening sauces. It’s like a magician that can turn runny sauces thick and yummy.
- Queensland Blue Pumpkin: Queensland Blue Pumpkin is big and blueish, with sweet orange flesh inside. It’s like a giant gem that’s also delicious to eat.
- Quimbombo (Okra): Quimbombo is another name for okra, a green veggie that’s slimy inside but makes soups and stews delicious. It’s like a secret ingredient that makes food magically thicker.
- Quinoa: Although often thought of as a grain, quinoa is actually a seed. It’s like tiny beads that are good for you, perfect for adding to salads or making into a fluffy side dish.
- Quokka Bean: While not a common vegetable, imagine if it were something as cute and appealing as the quokka itself, offering a fun and nutritious snack.
- Qungco (Sorrel): Qungco, or Sorrel, is a leafy green that’s tangy and lemony, great for adding a zippy flavor to salads and soups. It’s like the zesty friend who livens up a party.
Did you discover some pretty cool vegetables that start with Q on the list? Which one are you excited to try? Share it with us in the comments!
