When it comes to growing your own food, we gardeners often find ourselves drawn to vibrant, eye-catching crops that make the veg patch look like a rainbow. But did you know that the reds and pinks in your garden aren’t just gorgeous—they’re also brimming with health benefits?
From juicy tomatoes to ruby-red radishes, these colourful veggies are packed with nutrients and natural compounds that do wonders for our bodies. Let’s dive into why these striking shades should have a starring role in your plot and your plate!
The Power of Pigments
The secret behind red and pink veg lies in their pigments. The vivid hues come from a group of plant compounds called carotenoids and anthocyanins. One of the most talked-about is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, red peppers, and watermelon. Lycopene helps protect your cells from damage, supports heart health, and even reduces the risk of certain cancers.
Meanwhile, anthocyanins, which are responsible for the pinkish tones in veggies like pink radishes and Swiss chard stems, have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve brain function. So, these veggies aren’t just pretty—they’re a little health army in your salad bowl!
Health Benefits of Pink & Red Veg
Here are some of the top reasons to grow and eat more pink and red vegetables:
Heart Health Heroes
Red vegetables like tomatoes, beets, and red peppers are known for supporting cardiovascular health. Lycopene reduces bad cholesterol levels, while the nitrates in beets help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Cancer-Fighting Compounds
Studies have shown that lycopene-rich foods may reduce the risk of prostate, breast, and lung cancers. Anthocyanins also play a role in fighting free radicals, which can contribute to cancer development.
Radiant Skin
Want that healthy glow? Red veg can help! Lycopene protects your skin from UV damage, while the hydration boost from high-water-content veggies like watermelon and radishes keeps your skin plump and happy.
Gut Health Goals
Beets, with their earthy sweetness, are full of fibre to keep your digestion running smoothly. Their natural sugars feed the good bacteria in your gut, creating a happy microbiome.
Boosted Immunity
Red peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C, which is essential for keeping your immune system strong. A single pepper contains more than your daily requirement!
Easy Ways to Grow and Use Them
If you’re not already growing pink and red veg, now’s the time to get started. Here are a few ideas:
- Tomatoes: Choose varieties like ‘Micro Tomato Vilma’ for a deep pink hue or ‘Storage Tomato Long Keeper’ for a classic heirloom look. Perfect for salads, sauces, and snacking.
- Radishes: Quick to grow and delightfully crunchy, pink varieties like ‘Watermelon Radish’ will brighten up any dish.
- Swiss Chard: Look for ‘Peppermint Swiss Chard’ with its bright pink stalks that are almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, you’ll want to!).
- Beets: Go for ‘Chioggia’ beets with their candy-striped insides for a mix of pink and red. Roast them, pickle them, or grate them raw into salads.
A Garden for Your Health
Your veg patch isn’t just a place to grow food—it’s a place to grow wellness. Every beetroot you pull up, every tomato you pluck, is a step toward a healthier you. So, why not let the reds and pinks take centre stage this season? They’ll brighten your garden, nourish your body, and make your meals a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Shop all of our pink heirloom veg seeds or all of our red heirloom veg seeds!
Happy growing! 🌱
