Arrowhead

APPEARANCE: These vegetables resemble small eggs in size, shape, and color. They measure 1 inch in diameter and 2 to 3 inches in length, including the short shoot. The smooth, thin, beige skin distinguishes them from other root vegetables; the one or two fine, dark lines around their middles and lack of roots distinguish them from shallots and other onions.

QUALITY: Those with smaller shoots should be more tender and flavorful.

COMMENTS: As the North American name “swamp potatoes” suggests, the arrowhead is a storage organ — technically known as a “corm” — which grows under water. Like another vegetable of similar ilk, the water chestnut, its white flesh has a pleasant crunchy texture; the flavor starts off sweet, with a faint resemblance to fresh corn, but ends up bitter unless properly prepared.