1. Okra
Okra has a unique shape and has slimy juice when cut. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which is beneficial for gut health, lowers cholesterol and strengthens immunity. Okra also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The taste of mucus can be difficult for some people to accept, and okra needs to be cooked with a good time, otherwise it can easily become too soft.
The wonders of okra are mainly reflected in its appearance, taste and mucus
2. Asparagus
Asparagus is elongated in shape and has a pointed tip. Asparagus is rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which have anti-cancer and immunity-boosting effects. Fresh asparagus has a short shelf life and is prone to aging and loss of taste.
Asparagus grows under harsh conditions, the taste varies greatly with the growth stage, the smell is special, and the cooking is exquisite, all of which make it look wonderful.
3. 洋蓟 (Artichoke)
Artichokes, also known as French lilies, are a vegetable with a unique appearance. It looks like a giant green pine cone, with layers of bracts wrapping around the center of a tender yellow flower.
Artichokes are rich in a variety of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, etc. It has a good antioxidant effect and helps to fight off free radical damage to the body. In addition, artichokes also help to promote bile secretion, which is beneficial to liver health, can help digest fats, and reduce the burden on the stomach.
Artichokes have relatively few edible parts and are more cumbersome to handle. The outer layer of hard bracts needs to be peeled off one by one until the tender yellow inner core is exposed. Moreover, artichokes have a relatively light taste, which may not be easy to satisfy the taste buds for people who are used to heavy tastes.
Strange part: The artichoke has a strange appearance, which makes it difficult to imagine that it is a vegetable at first sight. The way it is eaten is also different from common vegetables, requiring patient handling and cooking, which makes it unique among other vegetables.
4.宝塔菜(Romanesco Broccoli)
The pagoda dish, with its unique spiral shape, is eye-catching, like a delicate green pagoda.
Pagoda vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, especially vitamin C and dietary fiber. It helps to strengthen immunity, promote intestinal peristalsis, and prevent constipation. Pagoda vegetables have certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial to the health of the body.
Pagoda dishes have a relatively hard texture and take a longer time to cook soft when cooked. And it has a relatively bland flavor that needs to be enhanced with proper seasoning.
Strange: The shape of the pagoda dish is extremely geometric, and the spiral structure presents a unique mathematical law, which makes people sigh at the wonderful creativity of nature. This peculiar shape makes it stand out from the vegetable pile and is instantly noticeable.
5.冰菜（Mesembryanthemum crystallinum）
The surface of the ice cabbage is covered with a layer of vesicle cells that resemble ice crystals, which shimmer in the sunlight, as if sprinkled with a layer of ice crystals.
Ice cabbage is rich in a variety of amino acids, vitamins and minerals, especially sodium, potassium, carotene and other components are high. It has a good moisturizing effect and is able to lock in moisture in the skin. Ice cabbage also contains natural plant salts, which can help regulate blood pressure.
Ice cabbage has a special taste, with a hint of saltiness and crunchness, which may not be acceptable to everyone. Moreover, the storage conditions of ice cabbage are more harsh, and it needs to be stored in a low temperature and high humidity environment, otherwise it is easy to lose moisture and taste.
Oddity: Ice cabbage looks like it's covered with a layer of frost, which is extremely rare among vegetables. The unique vesicular cells not only give it a beautiful appearance, but also make it a distinct taste from other vegetables, giving people a novel experience.
6.鱼腥草(Houttuynia cordata)
Houttuynia cordata, also known as folded ear root, is known for its strong fishy smell.
Houttuynia cordata has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, diuresis and swelling, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In traditional medicine, it is widely used to treat ailments such as colds, coughs, pneumonia, etc. Houttuynia cordata is also rich in vitamins and minerals, which have a certain tonic effect on the body.
The smell of Houttuynia cordata is too strong, and for many people, this fishy smell is unbearable. Moreover, Houttuynia cordata has a slightly astringent taste and needs to be properly treated and seasoned to improve.
Strange place: The smell of Houttuynia cordata is the biggest strange thing, its taste is completely different from common vegetables, and the strong fishy smell makes many people shy away from it. Some people love it and think it is a delicacy.
7.苦瓜（Momordica charantia）
Bitter gourd, covered with pimples, is golden yellow when ripe, and has an extremely bitter taste.
Bitter gourd has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, lowering fire and brightening eyes, lowering blood sugar and lowering blood lipids. It is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, dietary fiber, and has many benefits for your health. The bitter melon in bitter melon is also believed to have certain anti-cancer effects.
The bitter taste of bitter melon is the biggest drawback, and many people refuse to eat it because they can't accept this bitter taste. And bitter gourd has a relatively hard taste and needs to be properly cooked to become soft and delicious.
Strange part: The bitter taste of bitter gourd is unique among vegetables, and it is contrary to the sweetness and umami that people usually pursue. It is this unique bitter taste that makes bitter gourd a vegetable with special medicinal value and health care function.
8.刺角瓜(Ancient Melon)
The spiny horn melon is covered with spikes on the outside and the gelatinous flesh on the inside with many seeds.
Sturgeon is rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, dietary fiber, and a variety of minerals. It has a good moisturizing effect and is able to moisturize the skin. Sturgeon also contains some unique enzymes that help promote digestion and absorption.
The taste of the stinghorn melon is relatively light, and for those who like a strong taste, it may not be satisfying. Moreover, the price of spiny horn melon is relatively high, so it is not easy to popularize.
Oddity: The appearance of the spiny horn melon is covered with spikes and looks like a fruit from an alien source. The gelatinous flesh and numerous seeds inside are also very different from common fruits and vegetables, giving it a sense of novelty.
9.孢子甘蓝（Brussels Sprouts）
Brussels sprouts, small balls of cabbage grow densely on the stems, resembling a miniature version of cabbage.
Brussels sprouts are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and glucosinolated glucosinolates. It has antioxidant, anti-cancer, and immunity-boosting effects. Brussels sprouts are relatively high in protein and are an excellent source of plant-based protein.
Brussels sprouts have a relatively bitter taste and can easily become too hard and difficult to chew if not cooked properly. Brussels sprouts are usually more expensive than regular kale.
What's weird: Brussels sprouts grow in a unique way, densely arranged on the stems, forming a small bunch of "cabbage strings". This unique appearance and growth style makes it stand out from the crowd among vegetables.
10.蛇瓜（Trichosanthes anguina）
Snake gourd, named because of its slender and curved shape resembling a snake.
Snake melon is rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It has the effects of clearing heat and relieving heat, diuretic and lowering blood pressure, moistening the lungs and intestines. Snake gourd has a refreshing taste and is suitable for summer consumption.
The appearance of snake melon may be intimidating or uncomfortable, which can affect the appetite. Moreover, snake melon is relatively rare in the market and is not easy to buy.
Strange: The shape of the snake melon resembles a sinuous snake, and this peculiar shape is extremely rare in vegetables, which is easy to attract people's attention and curiosity. For some timid people, they may have a fear of it because of its appearance.
11.黑蒜（Black Garlic）
Black garlic is made of ordinary garlic after special fermentation, with a black color and a soft texture.
The content of allicin in black garlic increases, which has stronger antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, blood sugar regulation, blood lipid and other effects. It also improves sleep, boosts immunity, and protects the liver.
The taste of black garlic is relatively unique, with a sweet and sour taste after fermentation, which is not acceptable to everyone. And the price of black garlic is usually higher than that of regular garlic.
What's weird: Black garlic is very different from regular garlic in appearance, taste and smell. Its black appearance and soft texture, as well as its unique fermented taste, make it very special among vegetables.
12.拇指西瓜（Cucamelon）
Thumb watermelon, small as a thumb, with a skin similar to that of a watermelon, and a blue-green inner pulp.
Thumb watermelon is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and more. It has the effects of clearing heat and reducing fire, diuresis and swelling. Thumb watermelon has a crisp texture and is suitable for snacking.
Thumb watermelon has less flesh and is not very enjoyable to eat. And its price is relatively high, and it is not cost-effective.
Strange: The shape of the thumb watermelon is far from that of ordinary watermelon, and its small and delicate appearance makes people feel novel. Its unique size and appearance make it unique in both the fruit and vegetable category.
While these exotic vegetables may be difficult for some to accept in terms of appearance, smell or texture, they each have unique nutritional value and medicinal properties. We can choose to eat appropriately according to our own tastes and needs, so as to enrich the diversity of our diet and obtain more nutrients.