Broccoli

Selection, Preparation, Boiling, Storage, Recipes

Broccoli is a vegetable rich in nutrients such as potassium and other minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Its season is from November to March, but it is imported from overseas and also grown in Japan at different times of the year, making it an easily available food throughout the year.

In this article, we will introduce how to select, prepare (wash and cut), and boil broccoli, as well as recipes for tasting broccoli!

How to

select broccoli: Select broccoli that is dark green in color overall, with tightly packed buds that are firm and tight. The center should be well-developed. Avoid those that are yellowish overall. You may see purple discoloration due to the cold, but this is not a problem because anthocyanins (a type of polyphenol) are present. Rather, it is a highly nutritious, sweet and tasty marker.


Also, check the cut ends of the stems to see if they are fresh and not darkened, if there are no hollows in the stem, and if the leaves are not wilted.

How to Wash Broccoli

Broccoli clusters are made up of small buds. In fact, dirt, dust, small insects, and other debris inside these buds may not be removed by simply washing the outside under running water.

To clean the inside of the buds, simply fill a large bowl with water and soak the broccoli upside down for 10 to 20 minutes. To finish the cleaning, hold the stem and shake it in the water!


Click here for detailed instructions (with pictures): Basic broccoli washing! Just prepare a bowl and some water.

How to cut

broccoli Broccoli is often thought of as a bunch of broccoli, but the leaves and stems are just as edible as the bunches. Here are some basic ways to cut broccoli so that you can eat the whole, nutrient-rich broccoli without wasting any of the broccoli.

1

.

Wash broccoli in cold water and cut at the base of the bunch with a knife, separating it from the stem. Separate the thin stems and leaves attached to the stalks. 2.
2. Insert a knife at the base of each small bunch and separate them one by one.
Cut a slit in the center of the large bunch with a knife after separating it from the stem, and break it into pieces by hand into pieces that are easy to eat.
4. Cut the separated thin stems into bite-size pieces (you can eat the whole leaves).
5. Peel the tough surface of the thick stem a little thicker, and cut into bite-size pieces.



For detailed instructions (with photos), click here: How to cut broccoli -- You can eat the stems and leaves as well as the tassels!

How to boil broccoli

(in a pot

) Basic method for boiling broccoli. Prepare a pot, water and salt.

Step

1: Boil a pot of water (about 1 liter of water per 1 liter of broccoli) and add salt (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water). 2.
2. Boil broccoli, cut into small bunches, and add the stems and leaves to the boiling water.
3. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, rolling the broccoli occasionally with chopsticks, then drain in a colander and cool naturally.


For detailed instructions (with photos), click here: Basic method of boiling broccoli! Boil the bunch and stem together in boiling water for 3 minutes.

Steam broccoli in the microwave

! This is recommended for busy days when you don't have time to boil water in a pot! This is a method of steaming broccoli in a microwave oven. You can cook broccoli without losing nutrients as much as possible.

Step

1: Cut the broccoli into bunches, stems, and leaves, place on a baking dish, and cover with fluffy plastic wrap. 2.
Microwave (500W) for 2 to 3 minutes. 3.
When softened, transfer to a colander and allow to cool.


Click here for detailed instructions (with photos): Microwave steamed broccoli is convenient! Simply wrap and cook for 3 minutes.

Broccoli

is quick to lose its flavor, so if you can't eat it right away, it is best to freeze it.

Step

1: Wrap 3 or 4 pieces of washed and cut broccoli in plastic wrap. 2.
2. Place in a freezer bag and store in the freezer, making sure not to overlap. 3.
3. Use the frozen broccoli when cooking (it will become watery if thawed naturally!).


For detailed instructions (with photos), click here: How to freeze broccoli: It lasts about 1 month and keeps its texture! The trick is to cook it "frozen" when you use it!

Broccoli Steak Recipe

Simply cut broccoli in half lengthwise and sizzle it in a pan with garlic. Seasoning is simply soy sauce and lemon to taste! The crunchy texture and the unique savory, sweet, and tasty flavor of grilled broccoli are superb.


Click here for detailed instructions (with photos): Broccoli Steak" recipe. Juicy and delicious! Sautéed and steamed with garlic and soy sauce

Broccoli

with Cream Cheese Recipe:

Prepared and boiled (steamed) broccoli with cream cheese, soy sauce and bonito flakes! This is a dish that goes great with alcohol. Add some wasabi (Japanese horseradish) to spice it up if you like!


Click here for detailed instructions (with photos): Broccoli with cream cheese recipe! Add bonito flakes and wasabi for an addictive flavor!

Ajitama Broccoli Salad Recipe:

Simply combine boiled egg, boiled broccoli, tuna, and mayonnaise. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper to taste. You can enjoy the rich flavor, delicious taste, and various crunchy textures at the same time in this addictive dish.


Click here for detailed instructions (with photos): Ajitama Broccoli Salad Recipe - How to make this delicious dish that even children will enjoy! Just mash with a fork and mix