Whether you are on a plant-based diet or not, there’s no denying that vegetables are a powerful way to achieve good health. You can never really eat enough of them.
But sometimes it’s hard to know… 1) how to select vegetables at their peak ripeness, 2) how to store them to last longer, 3) how to cook vegetables to bring out their amazing flavors, and 4) which foods to pair them with.
That’s why I created this super valuable resource for these 25 common vegetables and the best ways to use them in your plant-powered kitchen.
**Don’t feel like scrolling? I also created a super handy downloadable FREE PDF, which includes all of the info below (and more), organized in an easy-to-read document.
Click to download —> 25 Common Vegetables: How to Select, Store & Cook (and more!)
And you can also use the Table of Contents below to jump to your favorite veggie.
1. Artichoke
- Season: spring (also in the fall)
- Pair with: asparagus, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, breadcrumbs, fava beans, garlic, lemon, mint, mushrooms, parsley, pepper, potatoes, onions (sweet/yellow), orange, peas, polenta, shallots, tarragon, thyme, white wine
- Selection: Look for heavy artichokes for their size; leaves tightly closed. If fresh, leaves will squeak when they’re rubbed.
- Storage: Store in a reusable produce bag, tightly sealed, in the fridge. Use within a few days.
- Cooking Methods: steam whole, boil whole, roast, cook stems, stuff, grill, sauté, stew
- Flavor Combos:
- artichokes + vegan butter + garlic + lemon + parsley
- artichokes + garlic + lemon + mint
- Recipe Idea:
2. Asparagus
- Season: spring
- Pair with: artichoke, arugula, dill, capers, cashews, chives, black/white pepper, farro, fava beans, garlic, leeks, lemon, mint, mushrooms, onion, orange, parsley, peas, quinoa, radishes, scallions, shallots, tarragon, walnuts, sea salt, sherry vinaigrette, red/white wine vinegar, veggie stock
- Selection: Look for brightly colored spears; no browning.
- Storage: Refrigerate, in a cloth produce bag. Use within 3 days. Or, to keep longer, trim ends, then fill a glass w/ 1-2 inches water and add stalks (don’t crowd them). Cover w/ a reusable produce bag and secure w/ a rubber band.
- Cooking Methods: blanch, steam, grill, raw, roast, pan-roast, stir fry
- Flavor Combos:
- asparagus + cayenne + lime
- asparagus + garlic + ginger + sesame
- asparagus + garlic + leeks + onions + potatoes
- Recipe Idea:
3. Beets
- Season: summer through winter
- Pair with: apple cider vinegar, apples, basil, caraway seeds, dill, arugula, avocado, bulgur, cucumber, farro, fennel, hazelnuts, horseradish, kale, lemon juice/zest, orange, pecans, pickled onions, walnuts, watercress, white wine vinegar, winter squash
- Selection: Choose medium roots with firm fresh and smooth skin. Try to purchase with greens attached, if possible.
- Storage: Separate any greens an inch above the root. Wrap greens in barely damp paper towels, and store in reusable produce bag. Keep roots loosely wrapped in mesh produce bag in fridge for up to 4 weeks.
- Cooking Methods: roast, boil, steam, caramelize
- Flavor Combos:
- beets + chives + orange + tarragon
- beets + potatoes + balsamic vinegar
- beets + shallots + vinegar + walnuts
- Recipe Idea:
4. Bok Choy
- Season: fall, winter, spring
- Pair with: carrots, cashews, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, rice, scallions, sesame seeds, shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, soy sauce/tamari, toasted sesame oil, white and red miso, red pepper flakes
- Selection: Choose bok choy with crisp, green leaves and firm stalks. Avoid wilted leaves.
- Storage: Refrigerate, unwashed, in mesh produce bag up to 4 days.
- Cooking Methods: steam, braise, stir fry, boil
- Flavor Combos:
- bok choy + vegetable broth + ginger + garlic + soy sauce + red pepper flakes
- bok choy + shiitake mushrooms + soy sauce + sesame oil + rice vinegar
5. Broccoli/Broccolini
- Season: fall through winter
- Pair with: balsamic vinegar, cabbage, carrot, cashews, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, kohlrabi, lemon juice and zest, miso, olives, onion, parsley, peanuts, pine nuts, red pepper flakes, rice, scallions, sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, walnuts, mustard/mustard seeds
- Selection: Choose broccoli with firm, dark green heads/florets that are tightly bound together. Avoid yellowing. For broccolini, look for fresh, green, moist florets (avoid yellowing). Stalks should be firm (for broccolini, the stalks are milder in flavor than regular broccoli stalks and can be eaten).
- Storage: Store unwashed broccoli in the fridge in a loose cloth produce bag for up to a week. For storing broccolini, do not trim. Wrap stalks with slightly damp paper towel. Add to produce bag for up to 10 days.
- Cooking Methods: roast, sauce, steam, raw or blanched
- Flavor Combos:
- broccoli + garlic + tarragon
- broccoli + capers + red pepper flakes + garlic + olives
- Recipe Idea:
6. Brussel Sprouts
- Season: late fall and winter
- Pair with: apple, beets, chestnuts, dried cranberries, farro, garlic, hazelnuts, maple syrup, mustard, orange juice/zest, pear, pomegranate, potatoes, red onion, rice, shiitake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, walnuts, winter squash, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, thyme
- Selection: Buy on the stalk if possible. Avoid yellowing/browning leaves.
- Storage: Keep loose sprouts in an open mesh produce bag in the fridge for 5-7 days. If on stalk, loosely wrap stalk in kitchen towels. Store in fridge.
- Cooking Methods: sauté, roast, pan roasted
- Flavor Combos:
- brussel sprouts + garlic + cider vinegar
- brussel sprouts + lemon juice + thyme
7. Cabbage
- Season: late fall to spring
- Pair with: apple, apple cider vinegar, broccoli, caraway seeds, carrot, cauliflower, cilantro, curry spices, dill, garlic, ginger, kohlrabi, peanuts, pecans, peppers, potatoes, raisins, red wine vinegar, scallions, soy sauce, thyme, toasted sesame oil, walnuts, white wine vinegar, dijon mustard
- Selection: Look for brightly colored heads that are tight, firm and heavy for their size.
- Storage: Refrigerate in open cloth mesh produce bag for 2-3 weeks.
- Cooking Methods: sauté, braise, boil, raw, stir-fry, steam
- Flavor Combos:
- red cabbage + apples + cider vinegar
- green cabbage + garlic + white wine vinegar + caraway seeds
- green cabbage + mustard seeds + garlic + cilantro + peas + turmeric
8. Carrots
- Season: spring through fall, available year round
- Pair with: balsamic vinegar, basil, celery, cinnamon, chives, cilantro, coconut, couscous, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, legumes, lemon, lettuces, maple syrup, nutmeg, parsley, parsnips, potatoes, radishes, rosemary, scallions, thyme, walnuts, chili peppers, maple syrup
- Selection: Choose firm carrots and avoid any that are limp or soft. Bright greens attached are a great sign of freshness.
- Storage: Trim greens, leaving 1 inch of stem. Store leaves in barely damp paper towels in sealed reusable plastic bag. Put carrots, unwashed and untrimmed, in open reusable plastic bag. Use baby carrots ASAP.
- Cooking Methods: roast, puree, braise, stir-fry
- Flavor Combos:
- carrots + celery + onions (mirepoix)
- carrots + cinnamon + raisins + sugar + walnuts
- carrots + pistachios + tarragon
9. Cauliflower
- Season: fall, early winter; available year round
- Pair with: arugula, breadcrumbs, chives, cilantro, couscous, curry powder, fennel, garlic, horseradish, leeks, lemon, mint, mustard, orange, peppers, pine nuts, potatoes, quinoa, saffron, scallions, shallots, spinach, thyme, tomato sauce, chili sauce, black/white pepper
- Selection: Choose cauliflower heads with florets that are so tight you have to separate with knife (a good sign of freshness). Avoid brown spots. Size of head is not important.
- Storage: Use ASAP. Cauliflower browns quickly. Wrap in reusable plastic bag and refrigerate up to 5 days. If any brown spots, you can remove with knife and use the remaining florets.
- Cooking Methods: roast, steam
- Flavor Combos:
- cauliflower + breadcrumbs + parsley
- cauliflower + cilantro + cloves + cumin + turmeric
- cauliflower + garlic + mint + pasta
- Recipe Idea:
10. Celery
- Season: midsummer through fall; available year round
- Pair with: basil, bell pepper, cannellini beans, carrot, dill, garbanzo beans, hazelnuts, lentils, mustard, onion, parsley, potatoes, red wine vinegar, scallions, shallots, sherry vinegar, tarragon, thyme, tomatoes, walnuts, white wine vinegar, vegetable stock
- Selection: Choose bunches with firm, green stalks with no blemishes, and are not yellow.
- Storage: Store in open reusable bag in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Do not break off ribs until ready to use.
- Cooking Methods: boil, braise, raw, sauté, steam, stir-fry
- Flavor Combos:
- celery + tarragon + vinegar
- celery + carrots + onions (mirepoix)
- Recipe Idea:
11. Corn
- Season: summer (timing varies according to region)
- Pair with: basil, balsamic vinegar, bell peppers, black beans, blueberries, chives, chili peppers, cilantro, cumin, garlic, green beans, jalapeños, lemon, lime, okra, onion, mushrooms, paprika, potatoes, quinoa, scallions, shallots, thyme, tomato, white wine vinegar, zucchini
- Selection: Choose corn that has green\vibrant looking husks. Silk should be glossy and sticky.
- Storage: Keep corn in the husk and refrigerate in an open reusable plastic bag. Use ASAP, ideally within three days.
- Cooking Methods: grill, steam, boil, roast
- Flavor Combos:
- corn + bell pepper + jalapeño + cilantro + tarragon
- corn + cayenne pepper + lime + sea salt
- corn + cilantro
- Recipe Idea:
12. Cucumber
- Season: summer
- Pair with: Aleppo Pepper, arugula, basil, bell pepper, bulgur, carrot, chives, cilantro, corn, cumin, dill, eggplant, garlic, jalapeños, lemon, mint, onion, oregano, parsley, peanuts, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, rice, rice vinegar, scallions, sesame seeds, sumac, toasted sesame oil, tomatoes, yogurt
- Selection: Cucumbers should be firm (not soft or wrinkled) with brightly colored skin. Not yellow. Buy organic so you can also eat the skins.
- Storage: Refrigerate in mesh produce bag in crisper. Use within 3 days.
- Cooking Methods: pickle, raw, salads, sauté, soups
- Flavor Combos:
- cucumber + cilantro + ginger + sugar + rice vinegar
- cucumber + garlic + mint + olive oil + oregano + red wine vinegar
- Recipe Idea:
13. Eggplant
- Season: mid summer to early fall
- Pair with: arugula, balsamic vinegar, basil, cilantro, coconut milk, cornmeal, dill, farro, garlic, ginger, green beans, mint, onion, orange, parsley, peppers, pine nuts, polenta, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, sesame seeds, tahini, toasted sesame oil, za’atar seasoning
- Selection: Look for eggplant that is very shiny and heavy for its size and gives slightly to the touch. It should not be rock hard nor squishy. Smaller eggplants are generally sweeter.
- Storage: Eggplant does not have a long shelf life, so use ASAP. You can store eggplants in an open reusable plastic bag in the pantry if the temperature is cool (around 55 F). Otherwise, put it in the fridge; use within 2-3 days.
- Cooking Methods: bake, broil, braised, boil, deep fry, grill, roast, sauté, steam, stir-fry, stuff
- Flavor Combos:
- eggplant + basil + bell peppers + garlic + tomatoes
- eggplant + garlic + lemon juice + olive oil + parsley + tahini
- Recipe Idea:
14. Fennel
- Season: spring, early summer, and fall
- Pair with: almonds, apple, apple cider vinegar, arugula, avocado, beets, blueberries, cabbage, cannellini beans, cauliflower, celery, celery root, chives, curry spices, farro, fennel seeds, garlic, hazelnuts, kale, lemons, lentils, onion, olives (black/green), orange, pistachios, polenta, potatoes, spinach, tarragon, thyme, tomato, watercress
- Selection: Choose fennel that feels firm and full of moisture. Avoid bulbs that are bruised or have thick outer layer.
- Storage: Refrigerate fennel bulbs in open reusable plastic bag for up to 2 days with stalks and fronds attached, or 1 week without them.
- Cooking Methods: boil, braise, fried, grill, raw, roast, sauté, steam
- Flavor Combos:
- fennel + almond + fennel seeds + maple syrup + lemon
- fennel + asparagus + fennel seeds + garlic + olive oil
- fennel + onions + potatoes + vegetable stock
- Recipe Idea:
15. Green Beans
- Season: summer to early fall
- Pair with: almonds, balsamic vinegar, basil, bell peppers, black pepper, cashews, corn, dill, eggplant, garlic, ginger, hazelnuts, lemon, marjoram, mint, mustard, oregano, pine nuts, potatoes, red pepper flakes, rice, scallions, sesame seeds, shallots, soy sauce, tarragon, toasted sesame oil, tomato, walnuts
- Selection: Green beans should have some snap when bent in half; not shriveled or rubbery. Long beans and haricots verts are more tender but should still be crisp; avoid dark spots.
- Storage: Refrigerate in a paper bag inside an open reusable plastic bag for up to a week. Use as soon as possible, as they will lose sweetness over time.
- Cooking Methods: boil, grill, sauté, steam, stir-fry
- Flavor Combos:
- green beans + garlic + walnuts
- green beans + mustard + vinaigrette+ almonds
16. Leeks
- Season: late spring through fall
- Pair with: artichoke, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chives, corn, curry spices, garlic, lemon, mushrooms, mustard, olives, oregano, parsley, pepper (black/white), potatoes, Swiss chard, thyme, tarragon, white or red wine, winter squash, vegetable stock, salt
- Selection: The edible part of the leek is the white and pale green stock, so look for leeks that are predominantly white and light green.
- Storage: Refrigerate unwashed leeks in an open reusable plastic bag for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Cooking Methods: boil, braise, fry, roast, steam
- Flavor Combos:
- leeks + mustard + vinaigrette
- leeks + potatoes + cashew cream
- Recipe Idea:
17. Mushrooms
- Season: available year- round, best. in spring and fall into winter
- Pair with: arugula, bell peppers, bread crumbs, cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, jalapeños, leaks, lemon, marjoram, Marsala wine, miso, oregano, parsley, pine nuts, polenta, radishes, rosemary, scallions, shallots, sherry, soy sauce, tarragon, thyme, toasted sesame oil, wine
- Selection: Choose mushrooms that appear fresh and are never moldy or fishy smelling, and feel firm and heavy. Avoid slimy or shriveled caps or with bruises.
- Storage: Store mushrooms in brown paper bag to prevent dehydration but still let them breathe. Mushrooms will absorb other flavors in the fridge, so keep them away from strong scented foods. Use them within 3 to 4 days. To wash, do not use water; instead, clean with a towel or cloth.
- Cooking Methods: bake, broil, deep fry, grill, pan roast, raw (in salads), roast, sauté, soup, steam, stew
- Flavor Combos:
- mushrooms + garlic + lemon + olive oil
- mushrooms + garlic + parsley + shallots
- Recipe Idea:
18. Onions
- Season: spring through fall, available year-round
- Pair with: apple, apple cider vinegar, asparagus, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, bell pepper, carrot, celery, chili peppers, chives, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, eggplant, fennel, figs, garlic, kale, nutmeg, mushrooms, peas, red wine vinegar, root vegetables, rosemary, sage, Swiss chard, thyme, tomato, white wine vinegar
- Selection: Onions should feel firm and heavy for their size; avoid any with soft spots, mold, or green sprouts.
- Storage: Store onions in a cool, dry place. They should last at least a month. Sweet onions may last only a week. Scallions or other spring onions should be kept in an open reusable plastic bag in the fridge and used within a week
- Cooking Methods: bake, boil, braise, deep fryer, fry, grill, roast, sauté, stir-fry
- Flavor Combos:
- onion + balsamic vinegar + brown sugar
- onion + garlic + thyme
19. Peas
- Season: spring
- Pair with: artichoke, asparagus, Boston lettuce, carrots, chives, cilantro, ginger, green garlic, leeks, lemon, mint, dry and spring onions, parsley, potatoes, scallions, sesame seeds, tarragon, thyme, toasted sesame oil, vegetable stock
- Selection: Choose peas that have bright green pods and seeds that look moist. Avoid any that are shriveled and dry.
- Storage: Store fresh peas in an open reusable plastic bag in the fridge, ideally no more than a couple days. You can also use frozen peas and store it in the freezer for months. Canned peas are not recommended, as they are mushy and do not have the same freshness.
- Cooking Methods: boil, braise, sauté, steam
- Flavor Combos:
- peas + basil + potatoes
- peas + celery + olive oil + onions + veggie stock
- peas + mint + morel mushrooms
- Recipe Idea:
20. Peppers
- Season: summer into fall
- Pair with: avocado, almonds, balsamic vinegar, basil, black beans, bulgar, cauliflower, cilantro, couscous, cumin, eggplant, garlic, lemon, lime, marjoram, mint, olives, onion, oregano, parsley, pine nuts, potatoes, red wine vinegar, rice, scallions, summer and winter squash, sweet potatoes, tomato, tomatillo, walnuts, white wine vinegar
- Selection: Choose peppers that are smooth and firm with bright shiny skin. Avoid any with shriveled or bruised skin.
- Storage: Store unwashed peppers in an open reusable plastic bag in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Cooking Methods: roast, broil
- Flavor Combos:
- bell peppers + basil + currents + garlic + pine nuts + sherry vinegar
- bell peppers + garlic + olive oil + onion + thyme + zucchini
21. Potatoes
- Season: summer through early winter
- Pair with: artichoke, basil, cabbage, cilantro, garlic, green beans, greens, horseradish, kale, leaks, lemon, lime, mint, mustard, olives, onion, parsley, pepitas, peppers, radish, root vegetables, rosemary, sage, scallions, shallots, thyme, tomato,
- Selection: Choose firm potatoes with relatively smooth skin with no wrinkles, sprouts, soft spots, cracks or green spots.
- Storage: Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place with good airflow. Store potatoes in a paper bag with the top roll down but not sealed. Do not refrigerate. Do not store near onions, as the gasses will cause the potatoes to ripen more quickly.
- Cooking Methods: bake, boil, deep fry, gratin, grill, mash (use starchier potatoes), purée, roast, sauté, steam
- Flavor Combos:
- potatoes + leeks + nutmeg
- potatoes + garlic + rosemary
- Recipe Idea:
22. Sweet Potatoes
- Season: fall through winter
- Pair with: allspice, apple, black beans, black rice, brown sugar, Brussels sprouts, cardamom, chilies, chives, cilantro, cinnamon, coconut milk, collards, cranberries, dried currants, farro, garlic, ginger, kale, leeks, lime, maple syrup, onion, orange, pecans, raisins, red bell pepper, rosemary, sage, scallions, Swiss chard, thyme, walnuts, winter squash
- Selection: Choose firm, medium-size sweet potatoes without cracks, wrinkles, bruises or black spots. Also make sure they are not sprouting.
- Storage: Keep unwashed potatoes in a cool, dry, well ventilated place for two weeks. Do not refrigerate or store in plastic bags. Do not store near onions, as the gasses will cause the potatoes to ripen more quickly.
- Cooking Methods: bake, mash, purée, roast
- Flavor Combos:
- sweet potato + soy chorizo
- sweet potato + Thai curry paste + coconut milk
- Recipe Idea:
23. Tomatoes (Fruit)
- Season: summer to early fall
- Pair with: arugula, avocado, balsamic vinegar, basil, bell pepper, black beans, bulgur, celery, chickpeas, chilies, chives, cilantro, corn, cucumbers, dill, eggplant, farro, fennel, garlic, green beans, jalapeños, lettuce, mint, marjoram, okra, olive oil, parsley, potatoes, quinoa, red wine vinegar, sage, scallions, tarragon, zucchini
- Selection: Choose tomatoes that are deeply colored red; firm but not hard. Avoid tomatoes with bruising and large soft spots. A good tomato should be fragrant (in its whole form).
- Storage: Store at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
- Cooking Methods: bake, broil, confit, fry, grill, raw, roast, stew
- Flavor Combos:
- tomatoes + avocado + lemon
- tomatoes + basil + olive oil + orange juice + watermelon
- tomatoes + horseradish + lemon
- tomatoes + basil + oregano + thyme
24. Winter Squash
- Season: fall through winter
- Pair with: adzuki beans, apple, apple cider vinegar, arugula, balsamic vinegar, beets, broccoli rabe, Brussels sprouts, cannellini beans, chickpeas, cilantro, cinnamon, coconut, cranberries, cumin, farro, garlic, ginger, hazelnuts, kale, lemon, lime, mint, miso, nutmeg, onion, pear, pecans, pine nuts, quinoa, rosemary, sage, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, thyme, walnuts
- Selection: Select squash that is rock hard, heavy for size, and has no bruises or soft spots.
- Storage: Whole winter squashes keep well for months in a cool, dark, well ventilated place. If cut, refrigerate in a sealed reusable plastic bag for up to five days.
- Cooking Methods: bake, braise, mash, roast, steam, tempura fry, roast, bake, boil, steam, sauté, stir-fry
- Flavor Combos:
- butternut squash + cilantro + coconut + ginger
- winter squash + garlic + olive oil + parsley
- Recipe Idea:
25. Zucchini & Summer Squash
- Season: summer
- Pair with: almonds, basil, breadcrumbs, cilantro, corn, cumin, dill, eggplant, fennel seeds, garlic, lemon, marjoram, mint, onion, oregano, parsley, peppers, black/white pepper, pine nuts, quinoa, rice, rosemary, scallions, Swiss chard, tomato, walnuts
- Selection: Shop in season. Avoid brown spots, softening or shriveling. Squash should be firm and brightly colored.
- Storage: Refrigerate squash in an open reusable plastic bag in the warmest part of the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Cooking Methods: fry, grill, pan roast, roast, sauté
- Flavor Combos:
- zucchini + basil + garlic
- zucchini + eggplant + garlic + onions + tomatoes
- zucchini + pecans
Bonus: Greens
- Different Varieties:
- Collard Greens (become sweet and tender when braised).
- Recipe Idea: Instant Pot Collard Greens
- Kale
- Curly (good for suiting, steaming, braising, eating raw, baking into kale chips)
- Recipe Idea: Kale Cranberry Salad
- Lacinato/Dinosaur (good braised)
- Russian and White Russian (good for salads and light cooking)
- Curly (good for suiting, steaming, braising, eating raw, baking into kale chips)
- Mustard Greens (can eat raw when very young, cooked when mature)
- Swiss Chard (delicate and mildly sweet)
- Collard Greens (become sweet and tender when braised).
- Season:
- Collard greens & Kale: fall into winter and late spring into summer
- Mustard greens & Swiss chard: late spring into summer and fall
- Storage:
- Refrigerate greens with leafs loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel and place the leaves in an open reusable plastic bag.
Other Greens:
- Arugula (peppery, mild mustard flavor)
- Broccoli Rabe (earthy, bitter)
- Dandelion Greens (earthy, nutty)
- Endive (crisp, nutty, mellow)
- Romaine lettuce (crisp and mild)
- Spinach (mild flavor, fast to cook)
- Turnip Greens (mild, fresh, a little sweet, can be peppery)
- Watercress (spicy, bitter)
If you made it this far, congrats! =) And I hope you found some interesting ways to cook up these 25 common vegetables!
Don’t forget to download the “25 Common Vegetables: How to Select, Store & Cook (and more!) PDF. =)
And if you liked my content, be sure to check out more of my “Veg Resources“.
Note: this information was found through my own knowledge/cooking techniques and trial and error, as well as referencing the books “The Vegetable Butcher” and “The Flavor Bible“. Both of which I HIGHLY recommend. =)
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