Wondering how to get perfect broccoli cut without messing up your kitchen? You are in the right place. Cutting it might look tricky but follow the simple steps here to cut good-looking broccoli florets.
How to cut Broccoli
Since the most consumed part of broccoli are florets, I will show you how to cut broccoli florets without messing up your kitchen. Follow these four simple steps:
Step 1: Get a sharp knife and cut the floret stems at the point where the stems meet the stalk. Note that, Brocolli has a fibrous stem, so removing as much of the stem as possible towards the crown will be necessary. This will help reduce the cooking time.
Step 2: While cutting the florets into bite sizes, trim the small leaves on the sides – separate the broccoli from the stem, not the florets. Cutting from the florets will leave the broccoli crumbly.
Step 3: If there are bigger florets, you can cut them into halves to ensure even cooking. Cut through the stem vertically down to cut the florets into halves.
Step 4: If you want to use the stalks, first clean off the stem by peeling off the stem. Then, chop into small pieces for salad and soups or thin strips for coleslaw.
Different Parts of Broccoli
The parts of broccoli include the following:
The head: This is also known as the crown. It is the big flower part of the broccoli. A cluster of dark green florets.
Florets: You will get florets when you cut the big flower part into smaller sizes.
Stalks: This is the thick and strong part between the rot and the head. It is that long sticky part that carries the head.
Stems: This is the tiny part that holds each floret together. The direct connection between the stalk and the florets.
Broccoli leaves: The leaves of the broccoli plant.
How to Select Fresh Broccoli
Fresh broccoli is beneficial because it retains nutrients and is more delicious and healthier to eat. Follow these tips to select fresh broccoli at the grocery store.
Don’t pick broccoli with yellow florets. I know broccoli is fresh when it has tightly-packed and deep green florets.
Ensure that your broccoli Stalks are firm and strong, and fresh-looking.
Don’t pick woody broccoli stalks.
You will get fresher broccoli when they are in season between October to April.
How to Use Cut Broccoli
One of the reasons I love broccoli is that I can use it for different recipes in different ways. As a versatile veggie, you can eat broccoli raw, stir-fry, steam, or roast it. Let me show you how to cook broccoli and retain the nutrients in different ways.
Salad: You can eat broccoli florets raw by including it in your salad recipe. You can also eat the stalk raw in coleslaw.
Steam: Boil your broccoli and make it a side dish. It is easy to make and healthy to eat.
Roast: Broccoli, olive oil, salt, parmesan cheese, and pepper in the oven makes a masterpiece.
Simmer: You can simmer broccoli with other veggies as stir fry or add it to your soup.
How to Wash Cut Broccoli
I find it easy to cut broccoli dry, so I love to wash my broccoli after cutting it. This way, broccoli gets cleaner faster because it’s in small sizes.
Throw all your broccoli cuts in a colander after cutting them.
Put directly under your kitchen faucets and rinse thoroughly.
After washing, ensure that you leave the water to drain or shake off the water.
After draining, you can cook or store it as you like.
How to Store Cut Broccoli
You can cut your broccoli ahead and store it to cook later. Throw the broccoli cuts in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It can last up to 5 days or more. If you don’t want to start preparing your meal from scratch, you can store broccoli cuts ahead.
Avoid washing your broccoli before storage because the moisture from washing can enhance mold growth on the broccoli. You can wash it when you want to use it. If you wash before storage, ensure that you shake off the water or drain your broccoli well before you store.
Don’t you have a fridge? Don’t worry; your broccoli can still last up to 2 days at room temperature. Don’t wash it if you aren’t using it immediately.
How to use Broccoli Stems, Stalk, and Leave
The part of broccoli that people eat most is the florets. Nevertheless, the stem, stalk, and leaves are also edible. You can use the stem in any broccoli recipe just as the florets in stir fry or coleslaw.
The stalk is thick, so it is common for people to thrash it. You can peel the green layer of the stalk and add the tender part to your stir fry or soup.
The leaves are also edible. You can cut broccoli, leave and add them to your salad or any other green delicacy.
Broccoli FAQs
Can you eat the broccoli stem and leaves?
Of course, you can eat broccoli, stem, and leave. They have nutrients and vitamins that will benefit you.
Is Broccoli poisonous?
No, Broccoli’s leaves are not poisonous. Since people focus more on the florets, they think the leaves aren’t edible. The leaves as nutritious as the florets and every other part of the broccoli.
How long does raw broccoli last?
The shelf life of your broccoli depends on the freshness at the point of purchase and how you store it after. There is no precise shelf life. However, if your broccoli is very fresh, it can still last up to 6 days. The quality of the broccoli drops as the day goes by. You can keep it in the fridge or freezer to preserve it better.
How can I tell that Broccoli is bad?
It is very easy to know that your broccoli is bad. There are visible signs that you can start to watch out for. Fresh broccoli is usually deep green and strong. If your broccoli stalk becomes limp and soft or the florets are yellow, it is not good to eat it.
Cut it out if you notice any small black or brown spot on your broccoli crown. Bad broccoli has no health benefits, and it tastes bad.
The most visible sign of bad broccoli is a foul smell and rotten florets. If you notice any other abnormal visible changes, mold, or large dark spots, you shouldn’t eat it.
Lastly, if it ever comes to mind that your veggie might be bad, you might be right. Just check and eat healthy always.
Wondering how to get perfect broccoli cut without messing up your kitchen? You are in the right place. Cutting it might look tricky but follow the simple steps here to cut good-looking broccoli florets.
Get a sharp knife and cut the floret stems at the point where the stems meet the stalk. Note that, Brocolli has a fibrous stem, so removing as much of the stem as possible towards the crown will be necessary. This will help reduce the cooking time.
While cutting the florets into bite sizes, trim the small leaves on the sides – separate the broccoli from the stem, not the florets. Cutting from the florets will leave the broccoli crumbly.
If there are bigger florets, you can cut them into halves to ensure even cooking. Cut through the stem vertically down to cut the florets into halves.
If you want to use the stalks, first clean off the stem by peeling off the stem. Then, chop into small pieces for salad and soups or thin strips for coleslaw.
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