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Green Broccoli Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to green broccoli
About green broccoli
Green broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable in the same family as kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. The original broccoli was a wild mustard called Brassica Oleracea and is native to the coastal Mediterranean areas. Farmers bred the seeds from the Brassica to produce what we now know as broccoli. It didn't come over to the United States until the 1920s and didn't become popular in many kitchens until the 1980s, but Broccoli is now the 11th most consumed vegetable in the U.S., with many Americans eating over six pounds of it a year.
Green broccoli, along with other cruciferous vegetables, has significant health benefits and many nutrients. A cup of raw green broccoli contains 2.4 grams of fiber, 2.5 grams of protein, and 0.4 grams of fat. A whole cup also only has 31 calories. Broccoli is high in several vitamins, including vitamin C, which is important for bone health, folate, an important nutrient for pregnant women. It also has high amounts of potassium, a key component for the prevention of heart disease. Green broccoli also contains sulforaphane, a plant compound that can protect against several types of cancer.
Use Instacart to shop for green broccoli and add it to this week's menu. You can enjoy the convenience of getting it delivered to your door, so your day is just a little easier!
How to pick out green broccoli
When choosing your green broccoli, look for heads with tight florets and a nice bright green color. Make sure to check the stalks for firmness and cracks. If they feel soft, it's not fresh. Broccoli should also feel heavy. Check the cut ends of the stalks too. They should look moist and fresh. If you see broccoli with browning ends or yellow florets, choose another bunch.
You should keep green broccoli in the refrigerator, and avoid washing it until you are ready to use it. You can keep it in a plastic bag in the crisper, but it's even better to remove it from the plastic bag and wrap it in some damp paper towels. If you notice that it starts to feel limp or bendable, trim the bottoms of the stalks and stand it in a jar of water in the fridge for the night, and it will become crisp again. Fresh broccoli should last for up to a week if stored properly.
How to prepare green broccoli
When you are ready to eat your green broccoli, rinse it thoroughly. In most cases, you want to cut the florets off the stalk, although you can cook the whole thing. Many people throw away the stock, but if you take the time to peel off the tough outside layer, the inside is crunchy and delicious.
There are many different ways to prepare and serve broccoli. In addition to eating it raw with a dip or mixed in a salad, you can:
- Steam it: Bring 1/4 inch of water to a boil in a large pot or pan. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the broccoli florets. Cover and steam for about three minutes for crisp-tender or up to eight minutes for soft.
- Roast it: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. While it's heating, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Spread the florets in a single layer on a baking pan, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the florets are browned around the edges and tender.
- Saute it: Add some oil to a saute pan and heat over high heat. Toss your broccoli florets in the pan with the oil and cook for three to five minutes, constantly stirring until the broccoli is tender and a bright green color. You can add some of the peel stock to the pan along with the leaves, too.
In addition to eating broccoli on its own, it is delicious in many other dishes. Add it to creamy pasta dishes or use it in your favorite stir fry.
Green Broccoli Near Me
Buy your favorite Green Broccoli online with Instacart. Order Green Broccoli from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about green broccoli
Broccoli rabe might look a lot like green broccoli, but it is actually a part of the turnip family. Broccoli rabe has a bitter taste and a more aggressive flavor than broccoli, making it better for heavy sauces typically used in Italian cooking.
If you have more broccoli than you can eat in a week, you can freeze it. You'll need to blanch it first, by boiling for five minutes and then putting it quickly in an ice bath to prevent it from cooking any further. Dry thoroughly using a salad spinner, and then put in a sealed bag. Store it in the freezer for up to a year.
Instacart makes it easy and convenient to find green broccoli. Add it to your shopping cart along with the rest of your groceries and have it delivered the same day!