Crossword Genius

An ingredient in the diet we must have: get a blend of such (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vegetable

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'an ingredient' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'the diet we must have get a blend of such' is the wordplay.
'VEGETABLE' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vegetable that I've seen before include "carrot, perhaps" , "Plant, especially if edible" , "Edible (part of) plant" , "Squash for one" , "Edible seed, root, stem, leaf or bulb" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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