An Ode to Broccoli
If there’s a green vegetable worthy of a love letter, it’s broccoli. With the appearance of little green trees, broccoli belongs to the brassica family, alongside cabbage and cauliflower. In Manitoba, broccoli is often planted in the early spring and is ready for harvesting from early to mid-July. Harvesting is done by cutting the flowerhead from the central stalk. It is best to harvest broccoli before the yellow buds bloom, which can indicate that the vegetable has turned bitter (But still edible!).
In addition to the fun appearance, broccoli is chock full of nutrients! It is a great source of vitamin C and contains other nutrients such as iron, potassium and vitamin K. In general, our bodies need vitamins and minerals (like the ones in broccoli) to maintain good health. Broccoli is also full of fiber, making it a satiating addition to meals and snacks.
Fresh or frozen, broccoli is a nourishing addition to meals. Fresh broccoli is best stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. As it spoils, broccoli can become discolored with brown or yellow spots. It can also appear wilted or less firm. The presence of mold or slimy spots are definite signs of spoiling. Frozen broccoli has similar nutrients to fresh crowns and is often a more affordable option. Excess fresh broccoli can also be frozen for future use. For the best quality, blanch your broccoli prior to freezing.
Using a new vegetable can be intimidating! It is a good thing that broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. Raw broccoli is a crunchy addition to salads (make sure chop finely) and pairs well with many dips. When cooked, the possibilities are endless! Broccoli is a yummy addition to soups, stir fries, or, in mac n’ cheese. Alternatively, trying to add broccoli to already known and loved recipes! Looking for some inspiration? Check out the recipes below!
Quick Broccoli and Cheese {Ready in 15 Minutes!} – Spend With Pennies
Broccoli Stir Fry {Easy & Healthy} – Kristine’s Kitchen
Karan Sidhu, Registered Dietitian with CDEP