A new study has shown that 72% of Brits surveyed said the potato was their favourite vegetable.

Second to emerge from the Dolmio-commissioned survey was the carrot, with 66% of the vote, closely followed by the tomato (65%), the onion (62%) and peas which came in fifth place with 57%.

However, the poll also revealed a list of the UK’s most loathed vegetables, with celeriac (36%t), aubergine (35%) and celery (25%) all making the list.

The single most hated vegetable however, according to the survey was the artichoke, with 47% of Brits saying they simply cannot stand them.

The research found on average, Brits eat just 3.4 portions of fresh veg a day, with 74% of the country saying they feel bad about not getting their five a day.

In fact, over half of those polled (52%) said that they were embarrassed to admit they were still fussy about veg, even though they are grown-up.

Reasons for not eating a wider range of veg were that we didn’t like the taste (52%), while 36% were funny about the texture and almost a quarter simply had an issue with the “look” of some vegetables.

More than two out of three of those polled with children (68%) admitted they find it a struggle to get their children to eat fruit and veg.

However, 62% also revealed they blame themselves because they failed to set a good example.

Nearly one in four (79%) of the 2,000 respondents polled said they wished they could be more adventurous and enjoy a healthier, wider range of veggies.

Most loved veggies:
1. Potato – 72%
2. Carrot – 66%
3. Tomato – 65%
4. Onions – 65%
5. Peas – 62%
6. Broccoli – 52%
7. Peppers – 47%
8. Sweetcorn – 47%
9. Green beans – 30%
10. Cabbage – 29%

Most loathed veggies:
1. Artichoke – 47%
2. Okra - 40%
3. Yams – 37%
4. Celeriac – 36%
5. Aubergine – 35%
6. Avocado – 31%
7. Kale - 30%
8. Butternut squash - 28%
9. Radishes - 27%
10. Celery - 25%

(source: Dolmio, image: pixabay)