Learning to Love the Ugly Vegetable

Have you ever walked past a vegetable simply because it looked a little… different?

Maybe it was a carrot with two legs, a lumpy potato, a strawberry with three heads, or a strange-looking bulb called kohlrabi. It’s easy to overlook produce that doesn’t fit our idea of what a vegetable “should” look like. After all, many of us have grown up seeing rows of nearly identical fruits and vegetables lining grocery store shelves.

A trip to the Horton Farmers’ Market is a reminder that nature doesn’t grow in straight lines. 

One of the things that makes shopping at the market so special is that every harvest is unique. Our vendors bring in produce that has been grown through changing weather, different soil conditions, and the natural unpredictability of farming. Some carrots curl, potatoes develop funny bumps, and tomatoes grow into wonderfully quirky shapes. Rather than seeing these as flaws, they’re a reflection of the growing season and the care that goes into producing local food. 

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On many large commercial farms, produce is often sorted according to strict standards for size, shape, and appearance. Uniform vegetables are easier to package, transport, and ultimately are the ones that will sell. At Horton Farmers’ Market, however, the focus is on freshness, flavour, and quality. A crooked carrot or an oddly shaped potato has just as much to offer on your dinner plate as one that looks picture-perfect. 

In fact, those little imperfections are often what make shopping locally so enjoyable. Every basket of vegetables tells a slightly different story, and no two visits to the market are exactly alike. It’s part of what makes eating seasonally feel so connected to the people and farms that grow our food. 

Some vegetables also earn the title of “ugly” simply because they’re unfamiliar. Kohlrabi is a perfect example of this. With a round bulb and stems sticking out in every direction, it can look like something off another planet - a little intimidating if you ask me. But don’t let its appearance fool you. Peel away the tough outer layer and you’ll discover a crisp, juicy vegetable with a mild sweetness that’s somewhere between broccoli stems and cabbage. It’s delicious sliced into salads, roasted with other root vegetables, added to soups, or simply enjoyed raw with your favourite dip. If you’ve never tried kohlrabi before, your next visit to the Horton Farmers’ Market is the perfect opportunity. 

Choosing vegetables with a little extra character can also help reduce food waste. Perfectly edible produce is something passed over simply because it doesn’t look exactly how we’ve come to expect. By embracing the crooked carrots, bumpy potatoes, and misshapen tomatoes, we’re helping ensure that great food is appreciated for what really matters: its taste, freshness, and quality. 

One of the best parts about trying something new at the Horton Farmers’ Market is that you’re never on your own. Curious about how to cook kohlrabi? Wandering whether that oddly shaped squash is good for roasting? Looking for the best way to use those colourful heirloom tomatoes? Just ask! Our vendors are passionate about what they grow and are always happy to share their favourite recipes, preparation tips, and serving ideas. 

So, the next time you’re exploring the market, challenge yourself to bring home one vegetable that catches your eye - even if it’s not the prettiest one on the table. Pick the carrot with the twist, the potato with the funny bump, or the tomato that looks unlike you’ve ever seen before. You might discover a new family favourite, a recipe you’ll make again, or simply a new appreciation for the beauty of locally grown food. 

At the Horton Farmers’ Market, every vegetable has a story. Sometimes the ones that look the most unusual are the ones that remind us food doesn’t have to be perfect to be exceptional - and that’s something worth celebrating! ​​

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Kate Hanslip, Summer Marketing Assistant ​

Kate is a recent social sciences graduate from Western University and currently a marketing student at Fanshawe College. Having grown up in St. Thomas, she brings a love of history and storytelling to her work where she enjoys highlighting the people, businesses, and stories that shape the community. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, exploring local trails, and experimenting in the kitchen.