Sauerkraut is a simple concoction of cabbage and salt that is allowed to ferment until it takes on a softly wilted texture and rich, briny taste. Sauerkraut contains iron and vitamin C, and one cup offers only 44 calories.

Outback is best known for its searing hot steaks, but their steamed mixed vegetables stand out as a healthy, yet flavorful menu item. The vegetables in the mix might vary seasonally, but generally include broccoli, carrots, squash and sugar snap peas.

The gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, includes hundreds of vining plants that produce fruit, or curcurbits -- the most recognizable being pumpkins, winter squash, ornamental miniature squashes, and large gourds that are often hollowed out for birdhouses.

When many people think of turnips, they think of bitter, dry root vegetables that are suitable only as filler for stews or soups. These turnips are bitter and dry because they have been stored too long and aren't fresh.

Make-ahead dishes can be the busy cook's salvation. Cookbooks often focus on main dishes, such as meat or poultry, but sometimes neglect vegetable side dishes. If you're tired of boring, microwave-steamed frozen veggies, or worse, canned vegetables, you're in luck.

There are many times when you may feel your blood is running a little thin. If you bruise or bleed easily or have heavy periods, thickening your blood may be beneficial. In this case, adding vegetables to your diet that are high in vitamin K can help do the trick.

Tender and crispy vegetables not only taste better, but also have greater nutritional value. While your chances of achieving a crisp, tender state are better with certain cooking methods, any method will do as long as you refrain from overcooking.

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind your breastbone that happens when your lower esophageal sphincter, which is normally a one-way door from the food pipe into the belly, relaxes enough to let stomach acid seep up into the esophagus. Wearing tight-fitting clothes, smoking and eating big meals can worsen heartburn.

Use a heavy skillet to prepare vegetables using a variety of easy cooking methods. Sauteeing is a quick-cooking method that retains the quality and flavor of nearly any vegetable.

Fresh, raw broccoli is full of nutrition, but it can taste plain or even dry. Steaming it softens the cell structure, unlocking the flavor of broccoli and making it more enjoyable.

Meatier, wider and less cylindrical than ordinary green beans, Romano beans are often referred to by the humble descriptor, “flat beans.” In some regions, they're also called Italian beans. Like green beans, crispy fresh flat beans can simply be steamed or microwaved until they're tender.

If the mention of squash conjures up images of steaming bowls of bright orange squash served as a side dish, you may be surprised to learn the variety of ways you can add frozen squash to your family’s menu.