edgyveggies-instructions

Edgy Veggies
Toolkit

Instructions + Materials

Relevant Research

Stories From the Field

Stay in Touch/Ask Us

Activity Materials

Printable Toolkit Instructions (PDF)

Edgy Labels by Vegetables (Google Docs)

Edgy Labels With Recipe Ideas (Google Docs)

Edgy Words by Themes (Google Docs)

OPTIONAL: Use these materials to evaluate the impact of this toolkit. Food managers who want to evaluate diners’ responses will need to have a sample of diners take a survey before and after the dish-labeling activities.

To evaluate diners, have a sample of them take this pre-toolkit survey before the food manager does the labeling activities in this toolkit, then ask the diners to take the post-toolkit survey after the food manager does the labeling activities. Go here for a Google Docs version of the survey.

For menu developers who want to see how well they’ve applied the lessons of this toolkit, fill out this survey.

Toolkit Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Select a healthy dish to promote

Toolkit users should focus on giving edgy descriptions to healthy foods that can benefit from taste-focused language the most. Those include vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, and plant-based entrees. Foods like pizza, burgers, and fries often enjoy rich labels and don’t need to be described differently.

Next Step

Step 2

Step 2: Make sure the dish tastes good

Naming raw and unseasoned brussels sprouts “spellbinding” or bland eggplant “exciting” may backfire, as diners could feel deceived. The best approach is to prepare delicious veggies and label them that way. To do so, select fresh ingredients with complementary seasonings. The best edgy veggie dishes often include two or more fruits and vegetables to build flavor.

Butternut Squash With Apples and Sage
Brussels Sprouts With Pomegranate and Lemon
Watermelon With Mint and Basil
Green Beans With Garlic and Onion
Zucchini With Basil and Oregano
Cucumbers With Mint and Dill
Carrots With Ginger and Citrus
Sweet Potatoes With Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Cauliflower With Lemon and Garlic

Examples of edgy labels — along with recipes — can be found in the expandable box below (Google Docs version). Use them for inspiration or click on “Next Step” at the bottom of the page to keep following this guide to writing edgy food descriptions.

Edgy Veggie Recipe Ideas With Labels

VegetableEdgy LabelRecipe

AsparagusUltimate Chargrilled AsparagusGrilled asparagus with salt and pepper

Beets With OrangesTwisted Citrus-glazed BeetsBeets roasted with olive oil and tossed with mandarin oranges

BroccoliSesame Garlic-roasted Broccoli With Creamy Tahini SauceBroccoli roasted with olive oil, drizzled with tahini sauce (garlic, sesame oil, tahini, red wine vinegar, salt) finished with sesame seeds

BroccoliAsian-inspired Sesame-glazed BroccoliBroccoli steamed and tossed with sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and pepper

Broccoli and CauliflowerTender Oven-roasted Broccoli and CauliflowerBroccoli and cauliflower blanched and roasted with olive oil, garlic, and salt

Brussels SproutsRoasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy ShallotsBrussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and salt, finished with crispy shallots and sundried tomatoes

Brussels SproutsHickory-smoked Bacon and Chargrilled Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts sauteed with bacon, pepper, chicken stock, and red wine vinegar

Brussels SproutsTender Caramelized Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts roasted with oil, salt and pepper

CabbageLemon and Melted Butter-braised CabbageCabbage braised with butter, vegetable stock, lemon zest, salt, and pepper

CabbageButter-braised Cabbage With Bright Lemon ZestCabbage braised with butter, vegetable stock, lemon zest, salt, and pepper

CabbageSizzlin’ Cajun-style CabbageCabbage sauteed with oil, cayenne pepper, and salt

CabbageSouthern-style Country-fried CabbageCabbage sauteed with oil, cayenne pepper, and salt

CarrotsCaramelized Slow-roasted CarrotsCarrots roasted with olive oil

CarrotsMouthwatering Slow-roasted CarrotsCarrots roasted with olive oil

CarrotsTwisted Citrus-glazed CarrotsCarrots steamed and tossed in citrus glaze (orange juice, butter, brown sugar, salt)

CarrotsJuicy Slow-cooked Rotisserie Baby CarrotsCarrots rotisserie cooked with olive oil and salt

Carrots and BroccoliZesty Chili Garlic Carrots and BroccoliBroccoli and carrots sauteed with olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar, and crushed red pepper

CauliflowerBuffalo Garlic Cauliflower BitesCauliflower breaded (garbanzo bean flour, garlic powder, salt, paprika), roasted with olive oil, and tossed in hot sauce

Cauliflower MashCreamy Homestyle Cauliflower MashCauliflower blanched and mashed with olive oil, salt and pepper

Collard GreensMama’s Classic Salt n’ Pepper Collard GreensCollard greens sauteed with oil, salt, and pepper

CornAutumn Harvest Sweet Corn on the CobCorn on the cob steamed and lightly seasoned

Creamed CornUltimate Creamy Parmesan Sweet CornCorn sauteed with cream sauce (heavy cream, sugar, whole milk, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper)

Creamed SpinachSouthern-style Creamed Spinach and Caramelized OnionsSpinach in a cream sauce (heavy cream, whole milk, butter, flour) sauteed with onions, nutmeg, salt, and pepper

EdamameSesame-glazed EdamameEdamame boiled and tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil

EggplantShanghai-spiced Glazed EggplantEggplant sauteed with spicy soy sauce (soy sauce, vinegar, green chili peppers, sugar, and cornstarch)

Green Bean CasseroleHickory-smoked Bacon and Green Bean CasseroleGreen beans with bacon, onions, mushrooms, and garlic baked in a cream sauce (butter, flour, heavy cream, chicken stock), finished with white cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper

Green BeansChef’s Favorite Toasted Almond Green BeansGreen beans steamed and tossed in toasted almonds and margarine

Green BeansOld-fashioned Country-style Green Beans With BaconGreen beans boiled and sauteed with bacon, onion, garlic, butter, lemon, salt, and pepper

Green BeansSizzlin’ Garlic Parmesan Skillet Green BeansGreen beans blanched and sauteed with green peppers, red peppers, and onion in canola oil, finished with garlic, basil, salt, and parmesan cheese

KaleDeluxe Sauteed Kale With Garlic and OnionsKale sauteed with garlic, onion, carrots, oil, salt, and pepper

LeeksTender Braised Leeks With Lemon ZestLeeks braised with butter, vegetable stock, lemon zest, salt, and pepper

Lima BeansCajun-style Smoky Lima BeansLima beans boiled and simmered with sauteed onions, paprika, tomatoes, cornstarch, salt, and pepper

MushroomsBoldly Roasted White Button MushroomsMushrooms roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper

Okra With TomatoesNew Orleans-style Okra and TomatoesOkra sauteed with onions, garlic, coriander, tomatoes, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper

PeasTavern-style Sizzlin’ Sweet PeasPeas sauteed with olive oil, salt, and pepper

Roasted SquashCaramelized Slow-roasted Squash MedleyZucchini, yellow squash, and mushroom rotisserie cooked with olive oil, salt, and pepper

Roasted VegetablesMouthwatering Slow-roasted Rotisserie VegetablesZucchini, yellow squash, and mushroom rotisserie cooked with olive oil, salt, and pepper

SpinachCitrus-splashed SpinachSpinach blanched and finished with lemon zest, salt, and pepper

SpinachAbuelitas Famous Guatemalan SpinachSpinach sauteed with tomatoes, onion, chicken base, oil, and pepper

SquashAromatic Thai Curry Kabocha Squash With Zesty GingerKabocha squash roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper, drizzled with curry sauce (ginger, garlic, thai curry paste, and coconut milk)

SquashSavory Balsamic and Herb-glazed Butternut SquashButternut squash roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper, and finished with rosemary, parsley, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar

SquashArtisan Glazed Butternut Squash With Sage and Brown SugarButternut squash roasted with sage, butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper

SquashUltimate Glazed Butternut Squash WedgesRoasted acorn squash brushed with brown sugar and margarine

Squash With SpinachSmoky Butternut Squash and Curried SpinachButternut squash roasted with sauteed onions, spinach, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

Sweet PotatoesSlow-roasted Curry Sweet Potatoes With Fragrant Ginger and GarlicSweet potatoes roasted with olive oil and salt, drizzled with curry sauce (ginger, garlic, Thai curry paste, and coconut milk)

TurnipsHerb n’ Honey Balsamic-glazed TurnipsTurnips roasted with honey-balsamic glaze (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt), finished with thyme

VegetablesCaramelized Balsamic and Herb Vegetable MedleyZucchini, carrots, bell peppers, onions roasted with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper

VegetablesBourbon Street-smoked Vegetable JambalayaFarro, onions, carrots, garlic, peppers, celery, tomatoes, and okra sauteed with vegetable stock, olive oil, thyme, cayenne pepper, and pepper

ZucchiniTuscan-style Fire-roasted Zucchini and TomatoesZucchini roasted with red wine vinegar sauce (garlic, tomatoes, onions, olive oil, salt) finished with basil

Zucchini and TomatoPanko-crusted Parmesan Zucchini and Tomato MedleyZucchini steamed and mixed with tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano and pepper, and baked with breadcrumbs, butter, and parmesan cheese

Previous Step | Next Step

Step 3

Step 3: Create a taste-focused label for your dish

Get your whole team involved! It’s easier and much more fun to talk about dishes with other people. Your goal is to list as many new ideas as you can. Refrain from critiquing or criticizing. Often, ideas that seem unpromising can turn out to be food-description gold. Follow the directions below to come up with creative labels or keep scrolling down to explore lists of ideas that the SPARQ team has put together.

Recipe for Brainstorming Edgy Dish Names

Don’t Say “No”: Avoid food descriptors that suggest deprivation, such as “healthy,” “light,” low,” and “reduced.” Also, think twice about using health-positive words like “high fiber” and “vitamin packed.” Many people already know that vegetables are healthy but don’t expect them to be flavorful, so your job is to emphasize flavor.
Survey All Five Senses: How would you describe this dish to someone who has never tried it?
- What does it taste like? Examples: Sweet and Spicy Squash, Ginger-Citrus Carrots.
- Look like? Examples: Rainbow Chard, Sunny Yellow Curry.
- Feel like? Examples: Silky Smooth Yogurt, Crispy Kale Chips.
- Smell like? Examples: Cumin-scented Parsnips, Fragrant Lemon and Herb Broccoli.
- Sound like? Example: Sizzlin’ Skillet Green Beans.
Place It: What location, culture, or time period does this dish come from? Examples: Tuscan Salad, Moroccan Tagine, Fisherman’s Stew, Beekeeper’s Quinoa, Ancient Grain Bowl, Thanksgiving Apples.
Mention the Method: How was this dish prepared? Examples: Slow-cooked Spanish Carrots, Pan-fried Eggplants with Soy-ginger Sauce, Butter-braised Asparagus.
Nod to Naughty: Can this dish make diners feel relaxed, casual, and maybe even a little sinful? Examples: Dirty Veggie Po’ Boy, Sloppy Joes, Indulgent Endives, Luscious Leeks, Edgy Veggies, Naughty Nuts.
Tout a Trend: Does the dish follow a food fad? Examples: Street-style Tacos, Farm-to-table Salad, Hippie Bowl.

If you’re stuck, use the cheat sheets below that provide labels grouped by vegetables (Google Docs version) and edgy words grouped by theme (Google Docs version).

Edgy Labels by Vegetables

VegetableEdgy Label

ArugulaChef’s Favorite Homestyle Baby Arugula

AsparagusUltimate Chargrilled Asparagus

BeetsDynamite Chili and Tangy Lime-seasoned Beets

Beets with OrangesTwisted Citrus-glazed Beets

Bok Choy and MushroomsTangy Ginger Bok Choy and Banzai Shiitake Mushrooms

BroccoliSesame Garlic-roasted Broccoli with Creamy Tahini Sauce

BroccoliAsian-inspired Sesame-glazed Broccoli

BroccoliFlavorful Garlic and Herb Slow-roasted Broccoli

Broccoli and CauliflowerTender Oven-roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Brussels SproutsTender Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Shallots

Brussels SproutsHickory-smoked Bacon and Chargrilled Brussels Sprouts

Brussels SproutsTender Caramelized Brussels Sprouts With Olive Oil Drizzle

Brussels SproutsAutumn Harvest Tender Brussels Sprouts

CabbageLemon and Melted Butter-braised Cabbage

CabbageTender Butter-braised Cabbage with Bright Lemon Zest

CabbageSizzlin’ Cajun-style Cabbage

CabbageSouthern-style Country-fried Cabbage

CarrotsMaple-glazed Carrots with Herbs and Lemon

CarrotsCaramelized Slow-roasted Carrots

CarrotsMouthwatering Slow-roasted Carrots with Olive Oil Drizzle

CarrotsTwisted Citrus-glazed Carrots

CarrotsJuicy Slow-cooked Rotisserie Baby Carrots

Carrots and BroccoliZesty Chili-garlic Carrots and Broccoli

CauliflowerZesty Buffalo-garlic Cauliflower Bites

Cauliflower MashCreamy Homestyle Cauliflower Mash

Collard GreensMama’s Classic Salt n’ Pepper Collard Greens

CornSalt n’ Pepper Oven-roasted Corn on the Cob

CornAutumn Harvest Sweet Corn on the Cob

CornRich Buttery Roasted Sweet Corn

Creamed CornUltimate Creamy Parmesan Sweet Corn

Creamed CornSouthern Classic Creamed Sweet Corn

Creamed SpinachSouthern-style Creamed Spinach and Caramelized Onions

EdamameAsian Sesame-glazed Edamame

EggplantShanghai-spiced Glazed Eggplant

Green Bean CasseroleHickory-smoked Bacon and Green Bean Casserole

Green BeansSizzlin’ Szechuan Green Beans With Toasted Garlic

Green BeansClassic Hickory-smoked Bacon Green Beans

Green BeansChef’s Favorite Toasted-almond Green Beans

Green BeansOld Fashioned Country-style Green Beans with Bacon

Green BeansSizzlin’ Garlic-parmesan Skillet Green Beans

Green BeansSweet Sizzlin’ Green Beans and Crispy Shallots

KaleDeluxe Sauteed Kale With Rustic Garlic and Onions

LeeksTender Braised Leeks With Lemon Zest

Lima BeansCajun-style Smoky Lima Beans

Mushroom Barley StewSlow-simmered Sage and Rustic Mushroom Stew

MushroomsBoldly Roasted White Button Mushrooms With Olive Oil Drizzle

Okra With TomatoesNew Orleans-style Okra and Creole Tomatoes

PeasTavern-style Sizzlin’ Sweet Peas

Roasted SquashCaramelized Slow-roasted Squash Medley

Roasted VegetablesMouthwatering Slow-roasted Rotisserie Vegetables

SpinachClassic Citrus-splashed Spinach

SpinachAbuelitas Famous Guatemalan Spinach

SquashAromatic Thai Curry Kabocha Squash With Zesty Ginger

SquashSavory Balsamic and Herb-glazed Butternut Squash

SquashArtisan-glazed Butternut Squash With Sage and Brown Sugar

SquashHomestyle Brown Sugar-glazed Acorn Squash

SquashUltimate Glazed Butternut Squash Wedges

SquashTwisted Garlic-ginger Butternut Squash Wedges

Squash With SpinachSmoky Butternut Squash and Delicious Curried Spinach

Sweet PotatoesSlow-roasted Curry Sweet Potatoes With Fragrant Ginger and Garlic

Sweet PotatoesZesty Ginger-turmeric Sweet Potatoes

TurnipsHerb n’ Honey Balsamic-glazed Turnips

Vegetable RatatouilleFragrant Herbes de Provence Vegetable Ratatouille

VegetablesCaramelized Balsamic and Herb Vegetable Medley

VegetablesBourbon Street Smoked Vegetable Jambalaya

ZucchiniTuscan-style Fire-roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes

ZucchiniSlow-roasted Caramelized Zucchini Bites

Zucchini and TomatoPanko-crusted Parmesan Zucchini and Tomato Medley

Edgy Words by Theme

ThemeEdgy Words

American regionalSouthwest, Southwestern, Southern, Western, Northern, Philly, California, Maine, New Orleans, Hawaiian, Nashville, NY, New York, Atlantic, Brooklyn, Carolina, Napa, Texas, Boston, Wisconsin, Daytona Beach, Idaho, Alaska, Alaskan, Baltimore, Bayou, Louisiana, Pacific, Cali, Californian, Colorado, Dakota, Hollywood, Kansas City, Nantucket, Americana, Sedona, Sierra, Smoky Mountain, St. Louis, North Beach, Key West, East Coast, Bourbon Street, American, Santa Fe, coastal, Cajun

ArtisanArtisan, craft, crafted, handcrafted, hand-cut, hand-breaded, hand-carved, hand-folded, hand-chopped, hand-battered, hand-dipped, hand-made, hand-tossed, hand-wrapped, hand-rolled, by hand, hand-pressed, hand-prepared, hand-twisted, hand-shucked, hand-seasoned, organic, aged, grade, premium, delicate, culinary, natural, pure, finest, handbreaded, handmade, refined, slow, slowly, fancy, imperial, certified, market, thinly, gourmet, peak

ChoiceChoice, choices, choose, any style, substitute, specifications, options, pick, your way, your own, your liking, your favorite, you like, way you want, select, variety, alternative, choosing, request, requested

ExcitingInfused, fiery, tropical, twist, twisted, swirled, thunder, turbo, feature, secret, kick, crazy, street, rockin’, splash, ripped, unique, spellbinding, ragin’, bang, buzz, firecracker, banzai, primetime, action, adventure, blasts, festival, inspired, limited, luau, meltdown, overdrive, sombrero, transform, upgrade, corkscrew, jammin’, jump, kaleidoscope, kickin’, mojo, rainbow, slam, swirl, zest, magic, power, featuring, dive, deepest, debut, creation, boost, bloomin’, packs a punch, butterflied, crushed, knock, shaken, shaking, sizzlin’, sizzling, rooty tooty, jallelujah-spiced, new level, not just your standard, build, create, fiesta, go wild, smashed, steel-drum band, you won’t find, high gear, surfer, heck-yeah, roll up your pants, roped, trip, upside-down, wave, yeah baby

FarmFarm, farms, farmer, farmers, farmhouse, farm-raised, field, harvest, organic, country, countryside, smokehouse, sawmill, natural, ripe, vine-ripened, raised, seasonal, free-range, cage-free, wild, garden, root, sprouted, groves

ForeignAsian, Italian, French, Tuscan, Thai, Mexican, Belgian, Baja, Mediterranean, Mongolian, Korean, Cantonese, Jamaican, Sichuan, Mandarin, Greek, Chinese, Aussie, Danish, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Argentinean, Hunan, Bavarian, British, Canadian, German, Montreal, Sicilian, Bolognese, Chilean, Cuban, Dutch, England, English, Fuji, Italiano, Italy, Milanese, Moroccan, Norwegian, Paris, Shanghai, Siciliani, Singapore, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, Sydney, Westminster, Zealand, Arctic, Marsala, Yukon, Calabrian, Florentine, Madeira, Saigon, Toscana, Toscano

FunFun, dip, dips, dipper, dipped, dipping, dippable, create, toppings, topping, finger, fingers, boneless, bite, bites, bite-sized, piece, pieces, sticks, stickers, slider, sliders, skewer, skewers, skewered, build, sampler, stack, stacker, stacked, bits, rings, bubbly, chunks, chunk, chunky, medallions, puff, scoop, skins, snacks, tanglers, tips, triangles, twists, wedge, balls, crispers, crisps, dollop, links, straws, strings, strips, tenders, fritters, tots, shooter, shooters, scoops, ring, handful, petals, slice, slices, minis, wrappers, cubes, dome, spears, squares

IndulgentPrime, sweet, crispy, creamy, melted, full of, buttery, crunchy, flaky, glazed, glaze, gooey, juicy, moist, rich, smothered, velvety, stuffed, loaded, layered, layers, chunky, covered, caramelized, fill, filling, filled, thick, powdered, pile, piled, hearty, savory, meaty, hungry, mouthful, aromatic, bliss, buttered, cheesy, chocolaty, dream, feast, fluffed, galore, indulge, indulgent, layer, overstuffed, richest, succulent, treat, ultimate, enjoy, enjoying, melting, candied, lover, creamed, battered, marbled, marinated, specialty, trimmings, crowned, everything, love, mouthwatering, cravers, decadent, gobble up, both at once, why settle, supreme, the works, king would approve

ProvocativeDangerous, dynamite, sharp, dark, volcano, extreme, molten, fiery, thunder, insane, lava, ninja, piranha, vampire, wildfire, explosion, flame, ghost, renegade, Wild West, outlaw, dirty, naked, decadent, gooey, velvety, moist, temptation, bold, boldly, sinful, envy, goddess, burnin’ love, diavolo, crazy, love, brace for the stampede, dare ya, beat of your heart, icy waters, garden of eatin’, gloves not required, aren’t wearing gloves, could get messy, see if you can hang on, heart throb, not for the weak of tongues, lip-smoking, mad, masquerades, ooh-la-la, outrageous, no rules, have you seeing things, the usual suspects, tuxedo, cowboy

TasteSpicy, sweet, sour, salty, salted, tangy, flavor, flavorful, flavored, flavors, garlicky, taste, tasty, taster, delicious, scrumptious, deliciousness, deliciously, sweetness

TextureCrisp, crispy, crisply, creamy, crunch, crunchy, moist, flaky, gooey, juicy, velvet, velvety, chunk, chunks, chunky, powdered, crusted, coated, curly, firm, flakier, flakes, fluff, fluffy, silk, silken, smooth, soft, tender, tenderness, wavy, breaded, consistency, crumb, crumbs, crumbled, crumble, crumbles, fluffed, silky

TraditionalCountry, countryside, clubhouse, Southern, house, house-made, classic, classics, tradition, traditional, home, homestyle, homemade, signature, famous, American, buttermilk, applewood, farm, farmhouse, field, fixin’, bourbon, hickory, smokehouse, recipe, hearth, sawmill, old, kitchen, kitchens, authentic, true, generations, harvest, old-fashioned, favorite, favorites, genuine, heritage, roadhouse, rustic, tavern, scratch, original, barrel, campfire, comfort, smoky, smokey, club, corralled, Southern charm, soothed, homestead, county fair, sack lunch, American standard, tribute, tried to copy, for over 35 years, Southern style, old

SizeDouble, triple, thick, deluxe, giant, extra, exxxxtra, grand, grande, towering, tower, maximum, monster, plump, portion, pile, huge, jumbo, hearty, enormous, plenty, loads, gigantic, generous, heaping, bottomless, unlimited, big, biggest, mega, large, brawny, buff, mammoth, larger, more, Big Poppa, king-sized, piled, lots, decker, even more, fully loaded, lumberjack, hearty man, stacked to the rafters, the works, full of, full half-pound, enough for two, enough of a mouthful

SocialFamily, everyone, people, smile, grinning, popular, daddy, grandma, granny, mom, mama

Spicy hotZesty, buffalo, mesquite, chipotle, habanero, fiery, firecracker, ragin’, kick, spicy, burnin’, seriously spicy

Vague positiveFabulous, great, perfect, perfected, perfectly, perfection, super, favorite, sensation, wonderful, good, unforgettable, love, better, special, specially, exceptional, iconic, legendary, amazing, best, bravo, championship, goodness, grinning, groovy, loved, nice, prized, tremendous, worthy, popular, can’t be beat, can’t be messed with, tough to beat, five-star, five stars, wow

Previous Step | Next Step

Step 4

Step 4: Evaluate your progress and share your story

Now that you’ve constructed a list of edgier names for your dishes, consider the people who eat in your establishment. Choose which you think will appeal most to the typical person who eats in your venue, rather than the ones you personally like best.

To evaluate the impact of this toolkit on diners, food managers should give a sample of diners the pre-toolkit survey before doing the dish-labeling activities and the post-toolkit survey after doing the dish-labeling activities. Go here for a Google Doc version of the survey that you can download in your preferred file format.