Kyo-yasai has not undergone selective breeding aimed mainly at better appearance or convenience for wide-area distribution, which is the reason why many varieties are queerly-shaped; however, many of these varieties are more nutritious than ordinary vegetables.
京野菜は、外見や広域流通の便を主眼とする、現代市場向け商品としての品種改良をされていないため、外見では変わった形のものが多いが、栄養面では一般的な野菜を上回るものが多い。