Daikon resembles a large, white carrot and has a firm texture that can withstand long cooking. It should be firm, heavy and unblemished with solid, smooth skin. Drying mushrooms concentrates their flavors and produces a deep, meaty taste. Dried mushrooms are ideal in soups, stuffings, stir-fries and braised dishes. Young ginger is more tender and milder in flavor and can be used with its skin on.
Mature ginger has a more assertive, peppery bite.
Both should be firm and free of wrinkles. Only the base of the stalk is used in cooking, often finely minced or pounded in a paste. Large pieces used to flavor a dish during cooking must be removed before serving. It is used extensively in stir-fried dishes and soups, and absorbs flavors beautifully. It can be used in salads and stir-fries.