Worldwide, there are more than 7,500 known varieties, 100 of which are grown commercially in the US. They all differ in shape, size, color, texture, aroma and flavor.

Beet roots, stems and leaves are all edible. Beets should feel heavy for their size, with no mushy areas. If greens are attached, they should not be wilted or have yellow spots.

Bok choy (or pok choi) stalks should be firm and blemish-free, with nothing bruised or mushy. Leaves should be perky and green, with no brown or yellow spots.

Broccoli florets should be tightly closed and deep green, with a purplish tinge; avoid limp or yellowing broccoli. Stems should be free of mold or signs of bruising.

Brussels sprouts are sold on and off the stalk. Look for compact heads with no sign of dulling or wilting. Sprouts should be bright green.

Red and green cabbage should have a firm, tight head and feel heavy for their size, with no black or soft spots. Savoy and Napa cabbage are generally a bit "looser".

Cardoons are sold in large bunches that look a lot like spiky, silvery celery. Stalks should be firm with no spongy or blackened spots.

Carrots come in all shades of purple, red, white, yellow and of course, orange. If they have the greens attached, look for feathery, perky leaves with no wilting, black spots or yellowing.

Look for an even color and a tightly packed head. Apart from its standard white, cauliflower also comes in purple, orange and green varieties.

Also known as celeriac, this turnip-sized bulb grows underground. Look for a firm, apple-sized celery root with no soft or squishy spots.

Also known as Swiss chard or rainbow chard, you can eat both the leaves and stems. You want crisp, perky and glossy leaves, with firm and healthy stems.

Collards are a versatile and delicious member of the brassica family, and can be used both cooked and raw. Look for firm leaves and stems with no yellowing, spots or wilted leaves.

For the most flavorful cranberries, look for a deep, rich, bright color versus pale or translucent. Spoiled cranberries will be soft and won't bounce.

Fennel bulbs should be whitish-green, firm and heavy for their size, with no brown or mushy spots. If the feathery green fronds are still attached, they should have no signs of wilting or dryness.

Horseradish is a large and tapering root with a dark brown peel and creamy interior. Look for firm roots with no mushy or black spots.

When shopping for kale, stay clear of wilted or browning leaves. Leaves and stalks should be firm and dry instead of wilted and mushy.

There are several varieties of mushrooms and they can be purchased fresh or dried. Look for fresh mushrooms without slimy, moldy or black spots.

Mustard greens are peppery, leafy greens in the same family as broccoli and kale. Look for perky greens that are not wilted with no mushy or black spots.

When purchasing dried onions, avoid brown or mushy spots and choose onions that feel heavy for their size without any signs of sprouting.

Parsnips are a root vegetable that look like a pale carrot, usually a shade of pale yellow or ivory. Look for parsnips that are firm but not tough.

Rapini, or broccoli rabe, looks like a leafier version of broccoli. Both the leaves and florets should be deep green without yellow spots.

The rutabaga is a sweet root vegetable that looks a lot like a large turnip with pale yellow flesh. Rutabagas are often sold with a protective layer of wax that improves shelf life, so peel them before cooking.

Salsify is a slender woody root, with light brown or black skin and white flesh. White salsify is said to be similar to oysters in flavor.

Fresh shell beans cook much quicker than their dried out counterparts. Look for pods that have pronounced, evenly sized bumps and avoid those with noticeable empty spots.

Although you can sprout many seeds, the two most common sprouted types are bean and alfalfa. Look for sprouts that are perky and smell fresh. Avoid any that smell off or that appear slimy or wilted.

Sweeter and milder than their larger counterparts, baby turnips are perfect for eating raw, roasting or tossing in salads. Turnips should be firm with tight skin. Avoid any that look wrinkled or withered.