Starchy vegetables (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: POTATOES (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Starchy vegetables" with 8 letters is "POTATOES".POTATOES are starchy vegetables commonly used in various dishes, known for their high carbohydrate content and versatility in cooking. The chef prepared mashed potatoes as a side dish, knowing they would complement the main course perfectly with their creamy texture and mild flavor.
Why “Potatoes” Fits
The clue asks for an 8-letter word meaning “starchy vegetables.” The answer, POTATOES, fits perfectly:
- Starchy vegetables: Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed starchy vegetables globally. They are tubers rich in starch, which is a carbohydrate providing energy and texture in recipes.
- Common usage: The word “potatoes” universally refers to the familiar vegetable served in countless forms, from boiled and mashed to fried and roasted.
This exact, plural term neatly fits the clue’s definition and the answer length.
Potatoes have agricultural, culinary, and cultural importance worldwide:
- Origin: The potato is native to South America and was first domesticated in the Andes. It became a staple crop throughout Europe and Asia after its introduction.
- Nutrition: Potatoes are high in starch but also contain vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a versatile food source.
- Varieties: There are hundreds of potato varieties, differing in size, texture, and flavor. Other starchy vegetables include sweet potatoes, yams, and cassava, but “potatoes” are the most recognized.
- Usage: “She bought a bag of potatoes from the market.” “Boiled potatoes are a classic side dish.”
“Potatoes” bridges the clue’s requirement for starchy content and widespread recognition as a vegetable.
In quick crosswords, clues like “starchy vegetables (8)”:
- Typically require plural answers, especially when referring to a group (“vegetables” not “vegetable”).
- Letter count (8) makes “potatoes” a natural fit, standing out among similar foods.
- When clues mention nutritional qualities (starchy, fibrous, sweet), common staples like potatoes, carrots, or yams are often expected. But "potatoes" is by far the most common answer for starchy vegetables of this length.
Spotting the clue’s reference to starch and plural vegetables makes “potatoes” the obvious grid solution.
