It’s time to eat your greens! Broccolis are massively healthy green veggies that many recommend eating, due to their power-packed nutrients. You can consume this tasty vegetable raw, roasted or even steamed.
Before eating this cruciferous veggie, you must learn how to cut it. Let us walk you through the steps of cutting broccoli. Learning how to cut the thick stem and florets of broccoli will make it easier for you to work with this hearty vegetable.
How to cut broccoli:
- Rinse the broccoli thoroughly and dry. Lay the broccoli head onto the cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to separate the florets by cutting at the base (of the florets).
- Trim the stems attached to florets (not too close).
- Cut florets into smaller pieces for cooking.
- Cut up the stalk.
It’s relatively easy to cut broccoli once you have practiced cutting it a few times. Don’t worry if it sounds a bit intimidating. This step-by-step guide will make things easy for you.
Table of contents
Preparation
How to pick quality broccoli
For a flavor-filled meal, choosing the right ingredient is essential. You can choose some quality broccoli by looking for its heads that are dark green. It’s okay if the color of the stalk is a few shades lighter than the florets, but not the head. Next, try to choose florets that are together in a compact manner. You must pick such florets because open florets signify that they are close to flowering.
You also need to make sure that the stems and stalk are firm. Lastly, avoid any bruised or discolored broccoli to attain desirable texture and flavor.
How to clean broccoli
Cleaning broccoli is a piece of cake. All you need to do is follow the steps below:
- Fill up water in a clean sink and block the water from draining with a plug. You can also fill water in a large bowl.
- Next, submerge the broccoli in water and swirl it a few times. Doing this will help loosen up the dirt.
- Let the broccoli soak in water for a good ten minutes.
- Put the broccoli in a colander and drain the water.
- Run the broccoli under cold water in the colander and use your hands to scrub any dirt and debris from the top, sides, and bottom.
- Lastly, shake and pat dry.
Cutting tools:
- Choose a good-quality chef knife for the best results.
- A vegetable peeler
- A cutting board.
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How to cut broccoli florets
- Lay the broccoli head on the cutting board with the stem facing upwards.
- Make downward cuts to separate florets from the thick center stem.
- Cut each stalk of the broccoli, leaving about 2 inches below the broccoli florets.
- Cut at the base of the florets. Make sure you leave a little bit of the stalk. You can also use your hands to break off the florets from the head.
- Continue to cut, moving inwards until all the florets are separated.
- Trim the floret stems such that they are all of the uniform lengths.
- Lastly, cut the larger florets in half to achieve a uniform size. You can do this by making a vertical cut through the center of the stem about half an inch long. Next, pull the floret halves apart.
Your broccoli florets are ready.
How to cut broccoli for stew
For making broccoli stew, you can use the broccoli florets and the stalk. Begin by cutting the broccoli florets as explained under How to cut broccoli florets. Next, remove the bottom part of the stalk as it is inedible. To do this, cut off almost 2 inches of the stalk bottom. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the tough skin off the stalk from all sides. Lastly, cut the broccoli stalk in julienne or as desired.
How to cut broccoli for stir fry
For stir fry, broccoli is best when cut in small sizes. All you need to do is cut the broccoli florets explained under How to cut broccoli florets. Next, cut the stems off the florets close to the base. It is the part where you can see the green buds start forming.
Holding the floret upside down, use a knife to make an incision through the center of the floret stem. It will allow you to have flat broccoli sides for an even cook. Lastly, cut the peeled broccoli stem in matchsticks.
How to eat broccoli
There are many ways to devour broccoli. Here are a few:
Raw
The best way for eating broccoli to get the most out of its nutrients is raw. A compound called sulforaphane that is known to prevent cancer and aid body detoxification is absorbed the most by the human body from raw broccoli than cooked one.
You can devour this healthy veggie by eating raw or enjoying it with your favorite salad dressing or vegetable dip.
Stir fry
If you don’t like to eat broccoli raw, you can stir fry it as another option. You know what people say, broccoli stir fry’s are the only side dish that can do without a main!
Steam
You want to get the most out of this power-packed veggie but can’t stand it raw. Your best bet is to steam it. You can enjoy steamed broccoli as a plain side dish or season it with vinegar, olive oil, and other seasonings for an enhanced flavor.
Roast
Is there anything you can’t do with this wonder veggie? We really can’t think of any. Bite-sized florets topped with your favorite seasonings make for the perfect crispy roasted broccoli that you won’t simply resist.
How to store broccoli
Store fresh broccoli in a loosely perforated bag as broccolis require air circulation to stay fresh. Make sure that the broccoli is unwashed. Otherwise, you will risk growing mold on it. In the fridge, broccoli can easily last for 3 to 5 days.
If you wish to freeze broccoli, begin by simply cutting the cruciferous vegetable into florets and then blanch it. After blanching, spread the florets onto a sheet pan and wait for it to freeze. Once done, transfer it into freezer bags. Frozen broccoli can last you for over a year.
FAQs
What else can you do with broccoli stems?
There are a lot of ways you can utilize the broccoli stems. For instance, you can have them blended into soups, add them into broths, or shred them for slaw. You can also make broccoli rice or roast them as French fries.
What part of the broccoli is the healthiest?
The stems and florets of the broccoli contain almost the same fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is best to eat both parts. Moreover, broccoli leaves are excellent nutrient sources as well. They contain calcium, cell-protecting antioxidants, and vitamin E and K. Lastly, the most fiber lies in the stalk.
Who should avoid broccoli?
Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family and may cause gases or bloating in some people. People with irritable bowel syndrome should avoid eating broccoli. If they do not, it will cause digestive distress.
In conclusion
We are sure you must be tempted by now to try this healthy cruciferous veggie. Serve it to your friends, family, and even the kids. What are you waiting for? Go and try it now!
