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ARTICHOKES: Look for compact, tightly closed heads with green,
clean-looking leaves. Avoid those with leaves that are brown or separated.
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ASPARAGUS: Stalks should be tender and firm; tips should be
close and compact. Choose the stalks with very little white; they are more
tender. Use asparagus soon because it toughens rapidly.
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BEANS, SNAP: Those with small seeds inside the pods are best.
Avoid beans with dry-looking pods.
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BROCCOLI, BRUSSELS SPROUTS & CAULIFLOWER: Flower clusters on
broccoli and cauliflower should be tight and close together. Brussels
sprouts should be firm and compact. Smudgy, dirty spots may indicate pests
or disease.
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CABBAGE & HEAD LETTUCE: Choose heads that are heavy for their
size. Avoid cabbage with worn holes and lettuce with discoloration or soft
rot.
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CUCUMBERS: Choose long, slender cucumbers for best quality. May
be dark or medium green, but yellow ones are undesirable.
-
MUSHROOMS: Caps should be closed around the stems. Avoid black
or brown gills.
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PEAS & LIMA BEANS: Select pods that are well-filled but not
bulging. Avoid dried, spotted, yellow, or flabby pods.
