National Veggie Day

A smiling young woman surrounded by a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables, wearing a chef's apron and standing in a vibrant farmer's market.. — National veggie day illustration

Welcome to National Veggie Day! Prepare your taste buds for a veggie extravaganza that will make your mouth water and your salad cravings grow strong. On this glorious day, we celebrate the wonderful world of vegetables and all the delicious, healthy, and downright scrumptious delights they bring to our plates.

When is Veggie Day?

It's national veggie day on the 17th June.

The Origins of National Veggie Day

Let's dive into the internet history to uncover the roots of this green-tastic celebration. National Veggie Day sprouted its way onto our calendars on June 17, 2015, and quickly gained popularity among food enthusiasts, healthy living advocates, and, of course, veggie fanatics.

Back in 2015, social media platforms bloomed with photos of artfully arranged vegetable platters, creative vegetarian recipes, and colorful salads that could make even the most dedicated carnivore drool with envy. People from all walks of life came together to spread awareness about the importance of incorporating more veggies into our diets, and thus, National Veggie Day was born.

Throughout the years, this leafy celebration has only grown stronger, with countless social media posts, blog articles, and mouthwatering recipe videos dedicated to exploring the countless ways we can enjoy and appreciate the wonders of veggies.

Ways to Celebrate National Veggie Day

Now that you're craving some greens, you may be wondering how to celebrate this veggie-fueled fiesta. Fear not, for we've got you covered:

Create a veggie-centric feast: Whip up a magnificent veggie feast, exploring the vast world of vegetables, from roasted brussels sprouts to zucchini noodles. Get creative and let your taste buds dance!
Visit a farmers market: Explore your local farmers market and connect with the farmers who grow the delicious veggies we all love. Take this opportunity to stock up on fresh, locally-sourced produce.
Share your favorite veggie recipe: Whether it's a mouthwatering salad, a hearty veggie burger, or a delightful vegetable stir-fry, share your favorite recipe on social media using the hashtag #NationalVeggieDay.
Host a veggie-themed dinner party: Invite your loved ones over for a veggie-themed dinner party. Encourage everyone to bring their favorite vegetable dish and let the culinary creations flow.

Did You Know?

Fun fact: Did you know that the largest vegetable ever recorded was a colossal cabbage weighing in at a whopping 138.25 pounds (62.7 kilograms)? Just imagine the amount of coleslaw you could make with that behemoth!

History behind the term 'Veggie'

1979

The birth of the term 'veggie'

In 1979, the term 'veggie' was coined as a shortened form of the word 'vegetarian.' It quickly caught on and became a popular term used to refer to people who followed a vegetarian lifestyle. The term 'veggie' was not only easier to say but also had a friendlier and more approachable vibe.

1995

Veggie Tales brings 'veggie' to the mainstream

The year 1995 marked the release of the first Veggie Tales episode, an animated series that stars an ensemble cast of anthropomorphic vegetables. This popular children's show introduced the term 'veggie' to a whole new generation, making it synonymous with friendly and relatable vegetable characters.

2003

The rise of veggie alternatives

As vegetarianism and veganism gained popularity in the early 2000s, so did the availability and variety of veggie alternatives. Plant-based burgers, sausages, and other meat substitutes started flooding the market, appealing not only to strict vegans and vegetarians but also to those looking to reduce their meat consumption. The term 'veggie' became closely associated with these products, emphasizing their vegetable-based ingredients.

2014

The veggie revolution

In 2014, a report by Mintel, a global market research firm, revealed a significant increase in the number of people adopting a 'flexitarian' diet. This term referred to individuals who primarily followed a vegetarian or vegan diet but occasionally consumed meat. 'Veggie' emerged as the ideal descriptor for this growing group, reflecting their preference for plant-based meals while still allowing for occasional flexibility.

2020

Veggie goes mainstream

In recent years, the term 'veggie' has become firmly entrenched in mainstream language and culinary culture. It is now not only associated with vegetarianism and veganism but also used to categorize a wide range of plant-based dishes and food products. From 'veggie pizza' to 'veggie tacos,' the term has become a go-to description for anything that emphasizes vegetables as a central ingredient.