Dried shiitake mushrooms keep at room temperature indefinitely, making them an attractive year-round alternative to fresh mushrooms. For most preparations, you'll need to rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms first, then use them in whatever dish you are making.

Jackfruit is a fruit that grows up to 100 pounds on large trees in Malaysia, Thailand and other Pacific Rim countries. The fruit rind discourages predators with its prickly cones, probably one of the reasons along with its foul, ripened smell that the jackfruit is overlooked by some as a viable fruit to consume.

Squash and sweet potatoes are convenient, colorful vegetables that make healthy additions to any dish. Although they may not be traditional staples, they are rich in history, nutrition and taste. Consider them as an option to add wholesome variety at meal time.

An avocado is a creamy fruit that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, in salads and on burgers. Even though the fruit has various health benefits, eating it or applying it to your skin can cause adverse reactions. If you develop symptoms after eating or touching avocados, call your doctor immediately.

Corn is a domesticated plant native to Central and South America. Cultivated by Native Americans for thousands of years, sweet corn, so named because of its high sugar content, is grown best in free-draining soil in warm temperatures.

Cucumbers are botanically classified as a fruit, although they are typically perceived, prepared and eaten as though they were a vegetable. Cucumbers grow from a low-lying flowering plant and are actually considered to be a part of the squash family.

Baby carrots are a popular snack for children and adults alike. There are two types of baby carrots -- those that are grown and those that are manufactured. Naturally grown baby carrots are regular carrots harvested before they reach full size or a variety of smaller carrots, such as Thumbelina.

When it comes to fruits and veggies, generally the brighter the color, the more nutritious. However, white mushrooms break the rules, and these relatively dull and colorless veggies come packed with nutrition.

Foods such as broccoli can cause indigestion or make indigestion become worse. Broccoli can cause gas, bloating and belching. Broccoli contains many nutrients such as vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron and protein. One cup of broccoli contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Sunburst squash are a heritage variety of summer squash related to the pattypan squash. The sunburst varietal is short and round, with slightly scalloped edges and a characteristic orange-yellow color. Use sunburst squash in any recipe that calls for summer squash.

Wolfberries, typically called Goji berries and sometimes called Chinese wolfberries or lycium berries, are edible berries that pack a nutritious punch. Ancient Chinese medical practitioners used wolfberries to treat dry skin and dry cough, and to promote longevity and improve sexual desire.

All vegetables are good for your health, but kale -- a cruciferous plant which belongs to the same family as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage -- is particularly outstanding. The leafy green is a rich source of vitamins A, K and C, fiber, carotenoids and flavonoids.