Broccoli evolved from a wild cabbage plant in Europe, and was introduced to the U.S. by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s. (Read more on Wikipedia.)
Preparation
First, wash the broccoli and trim off the tough end of the stalk. Cut the florets and stalk into pieces and either boil, steam, or microwave them. Parboiling is a good idea before sauteeing broccoli in stir-fries, so that they cook in about the same time as your other veggies. Broccoli florets can also be eaten raw in salads.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate unwashed broccoli in plastic bag.
Nutrition
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and one of the best vegetable sources of calcium. It is also well known for containing many phytonutrients found to have anti-cancer properties. One such phytonutrient is called sulforaphane, which researchers have found can stop cells from turning cancerous. (Read more about broccoli’s health benefits on Phytochemicals.info and check out the American Institute for Cancer Research’s “A Closer Look at Phytochemicals”.)
Seasonality
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov,
Recipes
Asiago Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli
Broccoli and Cheddar Frittata
Broccoli and Red Onion Quesadillas
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Marinara
Broccoli, Orange, and Olive Salad
Broccoli Sauteed in Wine and Garlic
Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli Soup Shots with Cheddar Bites
Broccoli with Garlic Butter and Cashews
Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
Broccoli with Mung Bean Sprouts
Cajun Spiced Broccoli
Chinatown Vegetable Medley
Chopped Spring Vegetable Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Crudités with Lemon-Pesto Goat Cheese Dip
Crustless Broccoli and Onion Quiche
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Green Pizza
Grilled Broccoli
Heston Blumenthal’s Broccoli
Hidden Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Kid-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup
Mediterranean Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes
Orange Ginger Tofu
Pasta and Broccoli Salad
Raw Broccoli Salad
Roasted Broccoli with Orange Zest and Almonds
Sesame Broccolini
Simple Sesame Broccoli
Steamed Broccoli
Stir-Fried Broccoli & Carrots With Peanuts
Stir-Fried Broccoli, Garlic Scapes and Brown Rice
Stir Fry Vegetables with Penne
Very Green Lentil & Chard Soup