All About Broccoli

Once cooked, the flavor of broccoli becomes more pronounced and nuanced. The cooking process softens the florets, creating a tender texture. Steamed broccoli retains its vibrant green color and develops a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to raw broccoli. The bitterness often mellows out as well. 

When roasted, broccoli takes on a delightful caramelized flavor, offering a hint of nuttiness. The cooking process also enhances the vegetable’s earthy undertones, making it an ideal companion for lots of seasonings and sauces. Finally, a quick stir-fry or sauteing of broccoli essentially “wakes up” its flavors while retaining much of its original crunchy texture.

Growing broccoli

To determine when broccoli is ready to be picked when growing in your garden or farm, keep an eye on the following signs:

• Head formation: The central head of the broccoli should be fully formed, dense, and compact. It typically reaches a size of around 4 to 7 inches in diameter (depending on the variety).
• Color: The head should be a deep green color. If the color starts turning yellow, it may be a sign of overripeness and the onset of flowering. 
• Floret tightness and stalk thickness: The individual florets within the head should be tightly packed without visible separation or opening. (Florets that are spread apart can indicate overripeness.) The main stalk supporting the head should be sturdy and thick.

You should begin checking your broccoli crop for harvest around 60 to 85 days from transplanting, depending on the variety. Harvest the central head by cutting it with a sharp knife just below the head. This will leave the plant intact for potential side shoot development, saving you plenty of time and effort from replanting.

Purchased broccoli

When buying fresh broccoli, look for heads that are firm and compact with a deep green color. Avoid heads with yellowing, browning, or wilted leaves, as they may indicate deterioration. You should then smell the broccoli to ensure it has a fresh, mild, and slightly sweet scent. Avoid any broccoli with an off or pungent odor. For an extra check, gently squeeze the head and disregard any broccoli with a soft or mushy texture, as it may be past its prime.

Fresh broccoli is best stored in the refrigerator. Before storing, inspect the broccoli for any signs of decay or yellowing and remove any damaged or discolored florets so they don’t spoil the rest. Place your broccoli in a perforated plastic bag or loosely wrap it in a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent wilting. Properly stored broccoli can remain fresh for up to a week.

Yes. But keep in mind that freezing broccoli will affect its taste and texture. Consider blanching it before freezing if you plan to store it for an extended period.

Broccoli tends to thrive in regions with mild temperatures, adequate sunlight, and well-drained soil. It is commonly grown in several countries, including the United States (particularly California, Arizona, and Texas), China, India, Mexico, Italy, Spain, France, and numerous other regions around the globe.