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".

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

Common leeks look like giant scallions and have a mild onion-y, sweet flavor. Look for leeks on the smaller side, 1-2" in stem diameter with very dark greens that have no yellowing or wilted spots.

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