Foods that are roots: Potatoes for the Irish, beets for the Russians. French fries may be a bit heavy, but they are food, and potatoes are easy to grow. There are carrots and radishes, turnips and onions. Sugar beets provide us with sugar. Jicama is crispy and lightly sweet, like the nectar of honeysuckle. Yams and sweet potatoes are especially nourishing. Horseradish (a condiment) brings tears to the eyes.