Vegetables | German Cooking | German Food Guide (2024)

In the German cuisine, vegetables are most often served in casseroles, soups, and as side dishes. Among the favorites in German cooking are potatoes, various types of cabbage, carrots, spinach, peas, asparagus, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and various types of salads. Onions are mainly served with meat dishes or as ingredients in many recipes. Sauerkraut is also a favorite throughout Germany.

Potatoes are one of the most important foods in German cuisine and they are most often served as side dishes. They are served in many different ways: boiled, pan fried, deep fried, mashed, dumplings, Kroketten, pancakes, in soup and stews, in casseroles, etc. Germany belongs to the top potato consuming countries. In fact, on average, each German consumes 150 pounds (70 kg) of potatoes annually.

Asparagus is so loved in Germany it is nicknamed "Königsgemüse (King's Vegetable)," "Frühlingswonne (Springtime Delight)," and "Zartes Elfenbein (Soft Ivory)". The asparagus season begins in April and runs through June. During this time, asparagus are on the menu at many restaurants and homes in Germany. Asparagus is enjoyed as a main meal, as a side dish, or in soups and casseroles.

Vegetables | German Cooking | German Food Guide (1)

Below, we list several of the most popular vegetables used in German cooking. Select a vegetable below to get detailed information and recipes.
Asparagus (Spargel)
Brussels Sprouts (Rosenkohl)
Cauliflower (Blumenkohl)
Green Cabbage (Weisskraut)
Kale (Grünkohl)
Kohlrabi
Potatoes (Kartoffel)
Red Cabbage (Rotkraut)
Sauerkraut
Savoy Cabbage (Wirsing)
Squash (Kürbis)
Vegetables | German Cooking | German Food Guide (2024)

FAQs

What vegetables are used in German cooking? ›

Among the favorites in German cooking are potatoes, various types of cabbage, carrots, spinach, peas, asparagus, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and various types of salads. Onions are mainly served with meat dishes or as ingredients in many recipes. Sauerkraut is also a favorite throughout Germany.

What vegetables are common to eat with roast in Germany? ›

Carrots, cauliflower, turnips, spinach, peas, beans, broccoli and many types of cabbage are very common. Fried onions are a common addition to many meat dishes throughout the country.

What is the king of vegetables in Germany? ›

Asparagus. Asparagus harvesting takes place from mid-April to late June. During this time, you can savour the flavour of German asparagus, also known as the “King of Vegetables”, in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony).

What is the most consumed vegetable in Germany? ›

Tomatoes are by far the most consumed vegetable in Germany
  • Tomatoes (31.3 kg)
  • Carrots, beetroots (11.5 kg)
  • Onions (9.0 kg)
  • Cucumbers (7.5 kg)
  • Lettuce (5.7 kg)
  • White cabbage, red cabbage (4.7 kg)
  • Savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi (2.5 kg)
  • Beans (2.2 kg)
Jan 16, 2024

What is the most popular German vegetable? ›

The tomato is the most beloved vegetable in Germany. The average German eats about 57 pounds of them each year.

What is the most eaten vegetable in Europe? ›

The most popular vegetables are tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and sweet peppers. In Europe, tomatoes are at the top of this list. For 67% of Europeans, a nice piece of fruit is the ideal snack.

What is Germany's national dish? ›

Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.

How do Germans eat kohlrabi? ›

Kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw kohlrabi is delicious and refreshing shredded with a vinaigrette dressing or added to a salad.

Do Germans eat a lot of asparagus? ›

Germans take white asparagus seriously. The country consumes more than 70,000 tons of it annually and the rural region from Baden-Württemberg to Brandenburg where the plant is cultivated becomes a pilgrimage trail for asparagus aficionados.

What green vegetables do Germans eat? ›

As far as vegetables go, green beans, broccoli, peas and cabbage are staples at the German dinner table. Vegetables are often boiled, stir fried or come from the oven, to keep them slightly chewy.

What is the most popular fruit in Germany? ›

Apples are the most popular fruit among German consumers. Around 20 kilograms of apples were eaten per person in 2022/23. Bananas follow as the most popular tropical fruit in German consumer's favor, with around eleven kilograms per person.

What are the top 3 crops in Germany? ›

In areas of high natural fertility, wheat, barley, corn (maize), and sugar beets are the principal crops. The poorer soils of the North German Plain and of the Central German Uplands are traditionally used for growing rye, oats, potatoes, and fodder beets.

What vegetables are commonly grown in Germany? ›

Some of the most popular fruits and vegetables in Germany are apples, pears, tomatoes, mushrooms, cucumbers, and potatoes. Germany is also known for its production of asparagus.

What are typical European vegetables? ›

There are vegetables well known today in the list such as cucumber, chickpeas, celery, carrots, cabbage, leeks, peas, lettuce, garlic, onions, shallots, as well as familiar aromatic herbs as mint, sage, cumin, anise, parsley, savory, coriander.

What is vegetable called in Germany? ›

Gemüse auf Deutsch (Vegetables in German) Before we get started, keep in mind that das Gemüse is uncountable in German. That means that it's written and said as das Gemüse in both singular and plural. In other words, when you're referring to one vegetable, it's called das Gemüse.

Does Germany have veg food? ›

Traditionally Germans have their famous white asparagus with ham, sauce hollandaise and fresh potatoes. Well, of course, you can also have the very same dish without the ham, making it a delicious vegetarian meal. Paired with some veggie Schnitzel you also get the perfect three-component meal, Germans love so bad.

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