How To Clean Broccoli Properly

How To Clean Broccoli Properly? (+video) The very best flavor and taste of broccoli will always depend on how well we clean our broccoli, and correctly before cooking it.

Facts About Broccoli…

Broccoli is a vegetable with fiber, protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Following our easy steps and a video, you can enjoy fresh broccoli with various recipes for years to come.

• Broccoli is part of the cabbage family whose large flowering head (also called crowns), stalk, and even the small leaves are entirely edible.
• It contains more protein than most other vegetables.
• The entire broccoli can be cleaned, chopped, and added to salads, raw, like our best broccoli salad (keto), and our crunchy broccoli raisins walnut salad, just to name a few.
• Also, it is high in many nutrients, including fiber, and all vitamins including vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
• High in vitamin C, that protects your cells from damage, and promotes healing throughout your body.

What To Look For When Buying Broccoli?

Whether you buy broccoli open (tied with a rubber band) on a produce shelf or enclosed in packages, here is what you need to know:

1. Both broccoli florets and stalks should feel firm and tightly closed when you pick them up.

2. They should be fresh-looking, and have a dark green color.

3. Most of the time, they are packed with 3 stalks in a package or one large stalk with one large crown attached.

Never Buy Broccoli if it has the following:

• If it feels soft when you pick it up, it will indicate it is too old.
• Look at the bottom of their stalks, if they look cracked or dried out, that indicates they are too old.
• If there is yellowing or any yellow spots anywhere in the florets, this indicates age too.
• Also, if you see any “black spots” in any florets, this indicates there could be a fungal growth manifesting as black mold and should be avoided.

Why is it important to clean it correctly?

When we clean fresh broccoli properly, you will not only enjoy the “newfound” flavor of this vegetable but also all the benefits it has to offer.

• Broccoli is a vegetable with large stalks and those stalks are the most tender, and nutrient-dense part of the broccoli.
• The stalk contains the most fiber, and it also is the tastiest part if one knows how to clean it properly.
• IF CLEANED INCORRECTLY? It will have a terrible taste, like eating dirt, leaving everyone with an unpleasant memory and avoiding this amazing vegetable altogether.

How to Clean Broccoli Properly? (3-Easy steps)

This is a simple method of cleaning broccoli properly, with just 3 easy steps.

Directions to Clean Broccoli:

With our easy-to-follow steps, you will be able to enjoy broccoli for years to come. Follow along with our photos, or you can jump down to our full recipe card at the bottom.

Step #1: Peeling Broccoli Stems:

1. Cut the ends: First, start cutting off about 1 inch from the bottom, and discard it.

2. Remove tough skin: Next, use a paring knife to carefully peel the tough skins away from the stalks by running the knife from the bottom up to the florets. Keep your hand close to the tip of the knife and guide the blade with your thumb so that you do not cut too deeply.

3. Peel the tough skins: Peel the skin up to the florets, then cut off at the florets. NOTE: No need to peel the skins off the florets, those are thin and tender when cooked. Continue with the other stalks.

Step #2: Chop the Broccoli:

Next, chop off the head, and set it aside. Chop the peeled stalks into pieces, 1-inch or less.

Then chop the florets into individual pieces. If you find some florets too large, you can cut those into smaller pieces. Transfer to a mixing bowl and place it into your sink.

Step #3: Submerge in Water and Drain:

Toss everything into a large mixing bowl and place the bowl into your sink. Run cool or cold water over the broccoli and fill the bowl to the top.

Sprinkle with some salt over the entire bowl. This will help clean out any debris, sand, or dirt left inside the florets that are not visible. Then, drain in a colander.

Now your broccoli is ready for any recipe.

WATCH OUR VIDEO! How to Clean Broccoli? (1-minute)

FAQs…

1. Is broccoli high in pesticides? Surprisingly, about 70% of broccoli samples were free of pesticide residues, and that’s because the vegetable contains natural insect repellents.
2. What is the difference between broccoli, broccolini, and broccoli rabe? Broccoli can be cleaned and eaten raw and chopped into salads whereas broccolini and broccoli rabe cannot. Both broccolini and broccoli rabe are bitter greens that need to be blanched, baked, sauteed, or stir-fried.

For Storing and Freezing:

1. To Store Clean Broccoli: Spinning out excess water is best, and you can do this using a salad spinner. Then transfer it to a ziplock plastic bag and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
2. To Freeze: it is a good idea to freeze broccoli that has been cleaned properly and spun dry before placing it into a sealed plastic bag or container. Then freeze it, for up to one month.

Try these next!

• Easy Broccoli Leek Soup
• Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower with Wine and Cheese
• Tortellini and Broccoli Salad
• Creamy Broccoli Parmesan Soup
• Crunchy Broccoli Raisins Walnut Salad
• Broccoli Tomato Pesto Pizza
• Creamy Broccoli Soup – without cream!

Additional ” How-To” with Vegetables…

• How to Grill Zucchini Perfectly
• How to Clean Brussels Sprouts
• Blanching and Steaming Vegetables
• How To Clean Swiss Chard
• How to Clean Artichokes ( +video)

Any questions? …ask away! If you enjoyed our post on How to Clean Broccoli Properly, leave a comment below with a star rating! We’d love to hear from you. For more tips, ideas, and recipes…Follow us on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and FACEBOOK!

Enjoy and Happy Cooking!

thanks for stopping by!

xo anna and liz