Asparagus comes in green, white, purple and wild varities. Look for the thinnest stalks possible; these are the most tender. Steer clear of limp and wilted asparagus.

Look for bright green, firm, plump pods with minimal blemishes (although some spotting on the pods are fine). Avoid pods that are dried out, mushy or yellowing.

Look for fiddleheads that are tightly curled and no bigger than a half-dollar. Any brown, papery bits clinging to the veggie are just a part of the plant, most of which will be rinsed off when you clean them.

Scapes are the curled shoots of hardneck garlic varieties. Scapes should be firm but somewhat flexible and free of blemishes or moldy spots.

Whether you call them green onions, spring onions or scallions, these alliums all offer a slightly milder taste than their onion cousins.

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.

This wild-foraged leafy green packs a nutritional punch with lots of protein, fiber, omega fatty acids and Vitamins A and C. Look for leaves that are perky.

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.

Nettles are an herb resembling an oversized mint leaf and are best bought or harvested when they are young and the stems are tender, before flower buds appear.

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.

No matter the variety of potato, be sure to store them in a cool, dark place with low humidity where they can be stored at least one month and up to three months.

Purslane has the most omega-3 fatty acids of any green vegetable. Its flavor is slightly tart and a bit lemony - perfect for summer salads.

Most radishes are sold with the tops attached: look for vibrant greens and firm roots. Don't forget you can saute the tops or use them in pesto!

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

Rhubarb is a tart, spring-time vegetable with rosy, celery-like stalks. Look for thinner stalks with good color for the best taste and texture — thicker stalks may be more fibrous.

Sorrel comes in both red and green varieties, but both resemble spinach. Sorrel has a sharp, tart, green apple taste that adds a tang to salads and cooked greens.

Fresh spinach leaves can be sold as loose leaves or still attached to the stem. Look for perky, evenly colored leaves with no mushy spots. Smaller leaves will be the most tender while larger leaves can be stringy in texture.

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.

Sometimes called Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes are the roots of a native North American plant in the sunflower family. Look for roots that are firm to the touch, with no spongy or mushy areas.

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.