There are so many amazing veggies that start with the letter Y, it’s hard to figure out where to even begin! We could talk about yams or yeast extract. But those are too easy.

How about yacon? It’s a type of sweet potato that has a brown skin and white flesh. There’s also yuca – an edible root that is popular in Central America. Whatever is your reason to go looking for a list of vegetables that start with Y, you have come to the right place. Ready to go explore?

Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is a favorite all-around vegetable in my family. It is easy to find year-round because of its short growing season. It can be used as a stuffing for peppers, eggplant and tomatoes.

It’s also good in stir- fries, as pasta sauce, and soups. Select squash that is firm with rich color for best flavor and texture. If a yellow squash has more green color than yellow, it will most likely be bitter in taste when cooked. Yellow squash can be stored at room temperature for about five days or in the refrigerator for about two weeks.

Yucca Root

Yucca comes from a plant that is native to the United States, as well as Africa and South America. It can be eaten raw or cooked. The yucca root starch is often made into a puree similar to potatoes and used in soups, stews, breads and other baked goods.

Yuccas can be found at farmers’ markets and some grocery stores. Look for firm pods, with dry brown skin. Avoid looking for pods that are split open or have small holes in the skin. Store yucca root in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Yam Bean

The Yam Bean is also known as the “Goa bean”. It is loved by some, but hated by some. The tuberous vegetable is sold year-round at most supermarkets. Yam beans can be stored in a paper bag for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

It need not be peeled and can be cooked in your favorite recipe along with other root vegetables or with red meats. Yam beans are a good addition to sauces, stir fries and soups. While buying the yam bean, choose those that are firm, with smooth skin and a light brown color; avoid choosing those that are cracked.

Yarrow

Yarrow grows from the underground stem of a plant and is used in cooking and as a medicinal herb. It can be found at the farmers’ market or bought in bulk at health food stores. It is a common ingredient in herbal teas and salads. Yarrow can also be dried and used to make a ground powder that is sprinkled on food.

Yarrow grows in the wild and can be found growing in meadows and fields. It has deeply cut leaves that form long clusters at the top of the plant. The leaves are used as an herb for seasoning food, for use in salads or for medicinal purposes.

Yacon

Yacon is grown as an annual root crop and is eaten fresh or cooked. It has a sweet flavor similar to that of the pear plant. It can be found at farmers’ markets and in supermarkets. Yacon can be stored in a plastic bag at room temperature for about one week.

While purchasing Yacon, look for tubers that resemble small turnips with a sweet smell. Yacon can be found in different shades of purple and white. The tuber is often eaten raw, grated into salads or cooked like a vegetable. It can also be used to make jams, jellies and candies.

Yam

Yam is grown as an annual root crop and is eaten fresh or cooked. It has a sweet flavor similar to that of the pear plant. It can be found at farmers’ markets and in supermarkets. Yam can be stored in a plastic bag at room temperature for about one week.

While purchasing yam, look for tubers that resemble small turnips with a sweet smell. Yams can be found in different shades of purple and white. The tuber is often eaten raw, grated into salads or cooked like a vegetable. It can also be used to make jams, jellies and candies.

Yardlong Bean

Yardlong Bean is also known as “Pinto Bean”. These beans are a young green bean grown in the United States. The beans are eaten fresh and come in other colors, including red and yellow. The beans can be roasted, added to soups or used in salads.

You can find the Yardlong Bean at farmers’ markets or grocery stores at different times of the year. It’s a good choice for dishes that call for green and white beans or legumes because it has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish.

Yellow Pear Tomato

Also known as “blushing tomato” and “Florida Tomato”. They are prized for their intense red color. Yellow Tomatoes can be found at farmers’ markets and grocery stores during the summer months. You can store Yellow Tomatoes in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Yellow tomatoes should not be confused with Green tomatoes. Green tomatoes tend to have a duller appearance, more yellowish green and do not bruise so easily when handled. It is used in cooking, salads and slices.

Yokohama Velvet Bean

The Yokohama Velvet Bean is also known as “Hairy Cowpea”. This bean is a succulent vine that grows in tropical regions. It can be eaten fresh or cooked and has a crunchy texture. The beans are great in stir fries and can also be used in soups.

You can find the Yokohama Velvet Bean at the farmers’ market or grocery stores during the summer months. While buying, look for shiny pods with bright, dark brown color; avoid choosing those that are dull, wrinkled or moldy. Store fresh in a plastic bag for up to three days in the refrigerator. However, dried beans last for about six months when stored properly.

Yukon Gold Potato

Yukon Gold is a very popular variety of potato that can be used in many ways. It has a bright yellow skin with some orange tinges. The potatoes are a good choice for making soups, salads and casseroles.

You can find the Yukon Gold at farmers’ markets or grocery stores during the summer months. While buying, look for potatoes with smooth skin, evenly colored flesh and no green spots; avoid choosing those that have wrinkles or other blemishes. Store fresh in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to preserve them longer, keep the potatoes in an airtight container and use them within three weeks after purchasing.

This was our comprehensive list for Vegetables That Start With Y. Have you tried any from this list? Let me know in the comments section.