Care & Handling
Availability
Green Giant Fresh Broccoli is available year round.
Selection
Good quality broccoli should have fresh-looking, light green stalks of consistent thickness. Bud clusters should be compact and dark green with some purple tinge.
Storage
Wrap unwashed broccoli in plastic wrap or place into a plastic bag and store in the vegetable drawer or crisper section of your refrigerator until ready to use. It will keep a few days, but is best used right away. Wrapped broccoli can go right into the refrigerator.
Preparation
For bunched broccoli, cut off woody stem ends about an inch from the bottom, crowns may be used as is. Wash spears before using.
Serving Tip
Serve raw broccoli florets as part of a vegetable platter with dip or add to fresh vegetable salads. Add crunch and color to pasta or potato salad with broccoli florets.
Cooking
Boiling
Cook one pound of spears or florettes, covered, in small amount of boiling salted water for about 6 to 8 minutes or until tender-crisp.
Steaming
Broccoli can be steamed 8 to 10 minutes or until tender-crisp.
Microwave
Place prepared broccoli in a microwave-safe casserole pan. Add about a half inch of water; cover, and microcook at HIGH (100%) for 4 to 6 minutes. Give dish a quarter-turn halfway through cooking time. Let stand 5 minutes. |