Vegetables (View Fruit)

Asparagus

Asparagus has a very distinctive flavour and a meaty texture. It's often served as a side dish, after being steamed or briefly boiled. The purple variety turns green when cooked. White asparagus is shielded from the sun while growing to prevent chlorophyll production, and is more tender.

Substitutes

• Leek
• Okra
• Broccoli

Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots are used in numerous Asian dishes and broths, and are available in various sliced forms. They can be used in stir fies, soups and curries.

Celery

Celery is most often enjoyed raw with dips and sauces. It can also be sautéed and used to flavour soups, stews, and sauces. Celery seeds can be ground and mixed with salt to make celery salt.

Substitutes

• Bok Choy

Celery, Chinese

Also known as

• Kinchay

Chinese celery originated in a form of wild celery found in Asia. It has thinner stalks than regular celery and a much stronger flavour. Unlike regaulr celery it is rarely eaten raw, and is most commonly used in stir fries and soups.

Substitutes

• Celery

Fennel

Also known as

• Finocchio

The bulb, foliage, and seeds of the fennel plant are widely used in many of the culinary traditions of the world. The bulb is a crisp, hardy root vegetable and may be sauteed, stewed, braised, grilled, or eaten raw. Fennel seed is an aromatic, anise-flavoured spice.

Heart of Palm

Also known as

• Palmito
• Swamp Cabbage

Heart of palm is a vegetable harvested from the inner core and growing bud of certain palm trees. It is often eaten in a salad, sometimes called "millionaire's salad," and also in vegetarian spreads.

Substitutes

• Artichoke Hearts

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a vegetable that plays at being a fruit. Stalks can vary in colour from deep red through speckled pink to simply green. Rhubarb can be stewed to yield a tart sauce, or used in jams, pies and other baked goods.

Substitutes

• Cranberries
• Quinces