Tips

Garden peas are generally available from spring through the beginning of winter. When purchasing garden peas, look for ones whose pods are firm, velvety, and smooth. Their color should be a medium green. Those whose green color is especially light...

Summer squash includes those varieties which are harvested while still immature and when the entire squash is tender and edible. They include the yellow Crookneck, the large Straight neck, the greenish-white Patty Pan, and the slender green Zucchi...

Many beets are sold in bunches with the tops still attached, while others are sold with the tops removed. Look for beets that are firm, round, with a slender tap root (the large main root), a rich, color, and smooth over most of the surface. If be...

When purchasing carrots, look for firm, plump carrots without rootlets. They should be small, bright orange and smooth, without cracks. Buy carrots in bunches, with their leafy green tops still attached. Carrots lose moisture through their leafy g...

Green beans are available year round, with a peak season of May to October. Green beans are also called string beans and snap beans. Green beans were once called string beans. Today they are string less; just break off the end as you wash them. Le...

Look- Don't worry about tomatoes with weird shapes. Even cracked skin is okay, but leaking juice and soft spots are not. Feel -Choose tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. Smell -Tomatoes should smell earthy and tomato-y, never ...

Cook vegetables over direct heat at medium-high temperature, and remember to turn about halfway through. Start clean. Prevent sticking by beginning with a clean grill and well-oiled vegetables. Don't move. When you first place vegetables on t...