Top Plants To Grow In Your Garden For Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients for human health and wellness. It can help boost the immune system, is vital for skin repair, and it’s a powerful antioxidant. You can find vitamin C in everything from face creams to energy drinks. If you want to find natural ways to consume more of this vitamin, then consider planting fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamin C.

If you want to grow plants that are highest in vitamin C, then plant a citrus tree, red and yellow bell peppers, or tomatoes. Some healthy green vegetables are also rich in this vitamin, including Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and broccoli. Pineapple has very high levels of vitamin C, as do strawberries and black currants. Herbs, including parsley and thyme, also have plenty of this antioxidant. 

If one of the main goals for your garden is to help promote a healthy lifestyle, then you should take a closer look at each plant’s nutritional value. Vitamin C is a nutrient everyone needs, and you should try to include plants in your garden that are rich in this essential vitamin. Below is a list of common fruits and vegetables you can grow that are naturally bountiful in vitamin C.

14 Garden Fruits And Vegetables That Are High In Vitamin C

1. Citrus Trees

When most people think of vitamin C, they usually think of oranges and other types of citrus. Citrus fruits are all high in vitamin C. Oranges and grapefruits tend to have the highest levels of vitamin C, followed by lemons, and then limes.

If you live in a climate that rarely experiences frosts, then a citrus tree is a great plant to ensure you get your daily dose of vitamin C naturally. There are even some citrus trees that can survive an overnight frost.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants to grow in a vegetable garden. They also happen to be very high in vitamin C. Tomatoes can be added to just about any savory dish, from sandwiches to sauces, and everything in between. 

There are many types of tomatoes you can grow in your garden, with some being easier to cultivate than others. If you want to harvest a variety that is particularly high in this vital nutrient, then you should grow cherry or black tomatoes.

3. Red, Yellow, Orange Bell Pepper

Bell peppers are a very popular and easy-to-grow vegetable, which is why they are a staple in many backyard gardens. There are several types and colors of bell peppers, and some have lots of vitamin C.

It’s important to note that not all bell peppers have the same levels of vitamin C. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers all have lots of this vitamin, while green bell peppers have far less. Opt for colorful peppers if you want to grow peppers with vitamin C.

4. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have tons of health benefits. They are rich with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, aid in digestion, and even have cancer-fighting qualities. 

These bulbed vegetables also have lots of vitamins, including high levels of vitamin C and vitamin K. Brussels sprouts are fairly easy to grow. They are also a great vegetable to grow in cooler climates, as they are cold-hardy and able to survive frost.

5. Spinach

You might think vitamin C comes mainly from colorful fruits and vitamin-rich vegetables, but you can find it in common leafy greens, including spinach. One serving of spinach contains more than 30% of the daily recommended levels of this vitamin.

Spinach has many other health benefits. It is high in fiber, antioxidants, folate, and other vitamins, including vitamins A and K. It grows quickly and early in the season, making it a nutritious plant for your spring garden.

6. Potatoes

You might assume that when you eat French fries, you aren’t consuming anything healthy. Sure, the grease isn’t ideal for those looking to lower their cholesterol, but potatoes have more nutrients than you may think.

Potatoes have potassium, fiber, and plenty of vitamin C. This root vegetable is ideal for most cool-weather gardens. It’s also a perfect plant to grow when you don’t love green vegetables, but want to find ways to increase the nutrients in your diet.

7. Broccoli

There’s a reason moms have been telling children to eat their broccoli for generations, and it isn’t for the taste. This vegetable is filled with nutrition. It contains minerals, antioxidants, is a fantastic source of fiber, and vitamin C. In addition to this vitamin, it also has potassium, folate, and vitamins A and K. 

8. Parsley

In addition to vegetables and fruits, there are a few herbs that have high levels of vitamin C, making them worth incorporating into your recipes. Parsley has some of the highest levels of this vitamin compared to other herbs.

Parsley is a popular garnish, and sprinkling some of its green leaves on your entrees can significantly boost the vitamin C content of any dish.

9. Pineapple

If you live in a tropical or subtropical climate, then pineapple is a fun fruit to grow. This fruiting bromeliad is packed with a sweet and juicy flavor, and it’s also very healthy. It contains many antioxidants, and it is very high in vitamin C.

Pineapple has more vitamin C than oranges, making it one of the best fruits to grow for those looking to boost their immune system naturally.

10. Strawberries

Berries are known for their antioxidants, and some sweet and tasty berries are a great source of vitamin C. Strawberries are a popular and easy-to-cultivate red berry that also happens to have one of the highest sources of vitamin C of any berry. This berry is also quite versatile and can be planted throughout the growing season, making it a healthy and tasty garden staple.

11. Black Currants 

If you live in a temperate climate and want to plant something healthy and unique in your garden, black currants are a good choice. Black currants are a dark, tart, and versatile berry that you can use in sweet and savory dishes. They are also commonly turned into jam.

This fruit might have tiny berries, but they are loaded with nutrition. In addition to high levels of vitamin C, black currants also have vitamin A, several B vitamins, and anthocyanins.

12. Kale

Kale is often considered a superfood because it is packed with nutrients. This resilient leafy green is packed with vitamins C, A, K, and other key nutrients. It is also a fantastic source of fiber, more so than most other salad greens.

Kale is nutritious and also great for colder climates, as it can withstand frost better than many lettuces. You can enjoy this nutritious leaf raw, baked, or sautéed, which makes kale as versatile as it is healthy.

13. Chili Peppers

If you want to add spice to your meals, why not add some vitamin C at the same time? Chili peppers are not only easy to grow, but they are an excellent source of vitamin C.

Curly chili peppers tend to have the highest levels of vitamin C, but many chilis are a great source of this vitamin. One green chili can contain more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. If you love spice, then these hot peppers are a nutritious way to add heat to your cuisine.

14. Thyme

Parsley isn’t the only herb rich in vitamin C. Thyme also has a lot of this essential vitamin in its aromatic leaves. This herb is commonly used when cooking various meat dishes, and also in vegetable side dishes.

In addition to its high levels of vitamin C, thyme is used for many natural remedies. It has great anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that you can use in herbal medicines.

Wrapping Up Plants You Can Grow That Have Lots of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for the human body, and it’s important to consume it daily. To ensure you get plenty of this vitamin naturally, you must plant vegetables and fruits that have high levels of it. Citrus, tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, chili peppers, and broccoli all contain high levels of vitamin C. You can also find it in herbs and leafy greens like spinach, kale, parsley, and thyme. Some sweet and tart fruits with lots of vitamin C include pineapple, strawberries, and black currants.

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