High Calorie Foods to Grow in Your Vegetable Garden for Homesteading

High Calorie Foods to Grow in Your Vegetable Garden for Homesteading

When you're homesteading, it's important to grow foods that are nutrient-dense and provide plenty of energy. High-calorie foods are key for long-term sustainability, especially when you want to keep your family nourished and healthy. Whether you’re looking to store food for winter or have a steady supply of hearty meals, here are some high-calorie crops that are perfect for your vegetable garden.

➡ Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most calorie-dense foods you can grow, offering around 160 calories per medium-sized potato.

↪ They’re versatile, easy to grow, and thrive in a variety of climates, with a growing season of around 70-120 days depending on the variety.

↪ Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, and their high starch content makes them an excellent source of energy.

➡ Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with calories, providing around 112 calories per 100 grams.

↪ They have a slightly longer growing season than regular potatoes, usually around 90-120 days.

↪ Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are not only high in calories but also a great addition to any diet.

➡ Corn

Corn is a staple crop that provides plenty of calories, with around 100 calories per ear of corn.

↪ It grows best in warm, sunny conditions and requires a long growing season of about 70-100 days.

↪ Corn can be eaten fresh or dried and stored for use in soups, cornbread, and other recipes. You can also turn it into flour or meal for baking.

➡ Winter Squash

Winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, are packed with calories, offering around 80-100 calories per cup when cooked.

↪ They’re perfect for fall harvests and can be stored for months in cool, dry conditions, making them an excellent food source for long-term preservation.

↪ Squash is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, which makes it a great energy booster.

➡ Carrots

Carrots may not be the highest-calorie vegetable, but they still provide a decent amount of energy with about 50 calories per cup of cooked carrots.

↪ They grow quickly, in around 60-80 days, and can be stored for long periods in a root cellar, making them a reliable food source.

↪ Carrots are high in sugar content, which helps to boost calorie intake while offering plenty of vitamins.

➡ Beans (Legumes)

Beans are an excellent source of both protein and calories, with varieties like kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans offering around 240 calories per cup when cooked.

↪ Beans thrive in warmer conditions, and with a growing season of 60-100 days, they’re relatively easy to cultivate.

↪ You can grow them in large quantities, which makes them perfect for storing and eating over the winter months.

➡ Peas

Peas are another high-calorie, protein-packed legume. One cup of cooked peas offers around 115 calories.

↪ They grow best in cooler temperatures and can be harvested in just 50-70 days, making them a great early-season crop.

↪ Peas are high in fiber, protein, and carbs, and they can be dried and stored for use in soups and stews.

➡ Beets

Beets are an excellent source of calories and nutrients, providing around 44 calories per beetroot.

↪ Beets grow quickly, typically taking 50-70 days to mature, and they store well for months in a cool, dry place.

↪ In addition to being high in carbohydrates, they also provide a good amount of fiber and vitamins, making them a filling addition to any meal.

➡ Pumpkins

Pumpkins are rich in calories, providing about 90 calories per cup when cooked.

↪ They grow well in warm weather and need a growing season of about 90-120 days.

↪ Pumpkins are not only calorie-dense but can also be stored for months, making them a great choice for long-term homesteading. The seeds also provide healthy fats and protein.

➡ Cabbage

While cabbage doesn’t provide as many calories as root vegetables, it’s still a great option for calorie storage, with about 22 calories per cup.

↪ Cabbage grows well in cooler weather and matures in around 60-90 days. It’s also perfect for fermentation, such as making sauerkraut, which can help preserve it for the winter months.

↪ The high fiber and water content in cabbage make it filling and an excellent staple crop.

➡ Avocados (in suitable climates)

If you're in a warm climate, growing avocados is a great way to add healthy fats and calories to your garden.

↪ One medium avocado contains about 230 calories, primarily from fats, making it one of the highest-calorie fruits you can grow.

↪ However, avocados require a tropical or subtropical climate, so they may not be suitable for colder areas.

➡ Nuts (in suitable climates)

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts provide a high-calorie return from the space they occupy.

↪ Nuts are calorie-dense, offering 160-200 calories per ounce, and they’re rich in fats, protein, and fiber.

↪ Growing nut trees takes time, but once established, they can provide a long-term supply of high-calorie food.

Tips for Growing High-Calorie Foods

Soil Health: Make sure your soil is nutrient-rich and well-drained. Adding compost or organic matter can help boost the calorie content of your crops.

Crop Rotation: High-calorie crops like beans, potatoes, and corn can deplete the soil if grown repeatedly. Rotate crops to maintain soil fertility.

Preservation: Many of these high-calorie foods can be stored or preserved for winter, either by drying, canning, or freezing, so plan accordingly to make the most of your harvest.

By incorporating these high-calorie foods into your vegetable garden, you can ensure a steady supply of energy-boosting crops throughout the year. They’ll help fuel your homesteading lifestyle, keeping you nourished and ready for whatever challenges come your way. Happy gardening!