Broccoli Crowns Delivery or Pickup

Broccoli is a form of cabbage that belongs to the mustard family. It consists of a long stalk and edible flower buds that form clusters called florets. Broccoli crowns are the top part of the broccoli with the florets. They typically range from about 2.5 to 6 inches in diameter. They have short stems and no stalk.

Broccoli crowns are a delicious and nutritious vegetable. They're high in dietary fiber and various vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K. Though most grocers carry broccoli crowns throughout the year, they are a cold-weather crop.

Choose broccoli crowns with tiny, compact florets. Make sure they have an even, dark, bluish-green color. Sometimes, they have a purplish hue. Give your broccoli crowns a whiff to make sure they smell fresh. 

When broccoli crowns are too mature, the bud clusters often take on a yellow tint. Discoloration tends to happen when the broccoli crowns are not stored properly or kept at the right temperature. Exposure to fruit that produces ethylene, such as apples or bananas, can speed up the maturation process in broccoli crowns. This also causes bud discoloration.

Broccoli crowns make a tasty meal when eaten either fresh or cooked. However, the cooking process locks in sulforaphane, a compound that helps prevent cancer and provides other health benefits. Eating broccoli crowns raw allows your body to absorb more sulforaphane. Many people remove the florets from broccoli crowns and cut them into smaller pieces to eat raw as a snack with their favorite dips, such as tzatziki or hummus. Others add raw broccoli crowns to pasta and salads or shred them to make coleslaw.

Even cooked, broccoli crowns are a healthy addition to any meal. Steaming them for about 4 to 5 minutes ensures they retain as many nutrients as possible. You can also roast bite-sized florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Broccoli crowns are a popular ingredient in many Asian-style stir fry recipes. However, stir-frying removes more nutrients from the vegetable than other cooking styles. Sauteing and boiling broccoli crowns are other great ways to prepare this nutritious vegetable.