In Season: Broccoli rabe, which has several names including raab, rapa, rapine, rappi, and turnip broccoli, peaks in the spring, though is available year round in most super markets.
What to look for: Look for bright, crisp leaves without tears, holes, yellow spots, or patches of slime. Look for thin and firm stems, which will mean your rabe will be more tender. The florets should be dark green and tight.
Spoon More: Broccoli, Spring, Vegetables
In Season: Celery root, also known as celeriac, is harvested in the fall and winter months, though, as with most produce, it can be found year round in most supermarkets.
What to look for: Avoid overly large celery root — they will have cottony centers. Select bulbs that feel heavy for their size, that are firm and about the size of a baseball. If they have leaves, they should be bright green and, if freshly harvested, will have a green tinge around their tops.
Spoon More: Celery Root, Fall, Vegetables, Winter
In Season: Cauliflower season peaks in October and extends through April, however, it can be found year round in most supermarkets.
What to look for: Choose cauliflower with compact, creamy white, unblemished heads with tight florets surrounded by perky green leaves.
Spoon More: Fall, Spring, Vegetables, Winter
In Season: Swiss Chard, though frequently found year round in most supermarkets, is usually harvested from late summer through fall.
Varieties: There are three types of chard: Rainbow chard has beautiful red, pink, yellow or even white stalks; Fordhook Giant has froofy, crinkly leaves with thick white stalks; and Ruby Red chard has thin red stalks and usually has a stronger flavor than the previous two.
In Season: Strawberries can be found year round in most supermarkets, however, the best ones arrive between the peak season of April to July.
What to look for: Choose strawberries that are plump, fragrant, and firm, with no signs of bruising, leaking or mold festering in the container. Pick strawberries that are bright red in color and ones that do not have greenish white shoulders, which indicate unripe fruit.
Spoon More: Fruit, Strawberries, Summer
