simple Jain-approved list of allowed and avoided vegetables.
Here is a simple Jain-approved list:
Generally allowed vegetables
- Bottle gourd
- Ridge gourd
- Sponge gourd
- Pumpkin
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Tomato
- Capsicum
- Brinjal / eggplant
- Ladyfinger / okra
- Beans
- Peas
- Corn
- Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, fenugreek leaves, coriander, mint
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
Generally avoided vegetables
- Root vegetables:
- Bulb and tuber vegetables
- Sometimes mushrooms are also avoided
Important Jain rule
- Avoid vegetables that grow underground, because they involve more harm to living beings.
- Also avoid onion, garlic, and all root vegetables in standard Jain food practice.
Note
- Some Jain traditions follow stricter or slightly different food rules, especially during Paryushan, Ayambil, or other vows.
If you want, I can also make this into a very short “eat / avoid” chart.