Broccoli - How to Select and Store?

Broccoli is a green leafy vegetables just like cabbage, spinach and Brussels sprouts whose stalks and large flower heads are edible. It is an exotic vegetable grown in the mediterranean region. Broccoli is popularly known as hari phool gobi in many Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, Bengali and Gujrati.

Selection of Broccoli : Broccoli is an green leafy vegetable which is available all year round in supermarkets. To get all the benefits of broccoli it is very important to buy it fresh. So here are a few things you can keep in mind while purchasing broccoli, make sure that the floret clusters are compact and with firm stalks and healthy leaves. ALways while selecting a broccoli look for strong dark green colored buds with no sign of yellowing or bruises. Avoid selecting broccoli that have yellowing florets or woody stalks with holes at the bottom or open bud clusters, this is a sign that the broccoli is not fresh. Do not buy broccoli whose stems and florets have slimy spots. If there are yellow flowers blossoming, then it is a sign of over maturity.

Storage of Broccoli : Storing broccoli the right way is very important to retain the nutrients in it. Storing broccoli is quite simple. To keep all its nutrients intact you just need to keep the Broccoli unwashed in a plastic bag, removing as much air as possible from the bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for as long as 10 days. Make sure not to wash the broccoli before storing it, as exposure to water creates moisture and might spoil the broccoli.  You can also store partial florets and stems in a well-sealed container or plastic bag and refrigerate it. Once the broccoli is cut it starts losing vitamin C quickly hence, it is advisable to use it within a few days of cutting it. You can store blanched broccoli by freezing it for up to a year. Cooked broccoli can be stored in a tightly covered container and in a refrigerator for a few days.