A World of Brown Rice As people’s interest in eating grains has grown, so has the variety of rices available in stores.

Select the Best It’s beginning to look a lot like summer at the grocery store and farmers market. Fresh, local produce is available in abundance and the only problem is how to choose.

The Incredible, Edible Eggplant The eggplant is a staple of the Mediterranean kitchen, but it is also becoming increasingly familiar to American diners. And that gives cooks an extremely versatile food with which to work.

All About Shrimp Expensive as they are, shrimp are by far the most popular seafood. Considering the cost, it is surprising how little Americans know about how to get the best quality and cook them easily at home. Includes recipe for Spinach and Shrimp Salad with Citrus Dressing.

Time to Eat Your Fennel You might not know unless you grew up in Europe, where fennel has been eaten for centuries, but the season for this delicately flavored vegetable has just begun. Includes recipe for Fennel and Orange Salad.

Answers to the Tomato Question It's the end of the summer and you really only have two choices - ratatouille or gazpacho - to cope with an overabundance of tomatoes.

Ratatouille, American-Style Ratatouille is an unsurpassed bit of culinary magic, perfectly timed for the height of summer's harvest. This side dish transforms sun-ripened tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and eggplant into a sparkling reminder of its native Provence, France.

Is Natural Better Many Americans are reportedly misled by foods or supplements labeled natural, assuming that they are healthier or safer than other foods.

Asparagus Remains a Sign of Spring Before refrigerated trucks and jet planes, asparagus was a springtime treat. While asparagus is now available nearly year-round, it still seems to taste best in the spring. Article includes a recipe for Marinated Asparagus, Tomato and Hearts of Palm.

Rhubarb's Not Just For Pie Anymore Although rhubarb has traditionally appeared in desserts, it is now turning up in soups, stews and other savory dishes. Article includes recipe for Salmon with Rhubarb Sauce.

Fool Your Palate with Fake Steak You're in the mood for a steak, but not for all the fat, cholesterol and calories. There is a solution: the mushroom. Article includes recipe for Portobello Burgers.

The Goodness of Greens Cooked greens were found on African-American, and Southern, tables long before they appeared on the menus of fashionable restaurants. Article includes recipe for Garlicky Greens.

New Cholesterol-Blocking Foods: Who Benefits? Several new products, including margarine, cereal, juice and snack bars, are drawing attention as possible weapons in the battle to lower blood cholesterol.

Pumpkin Perfection As widespread and scary as jack-o-lanterns are this time of year, it's important to remember that pumpkins are more than just a decorative item.