Produce Highlight: Broccoli

Broccoli is freshest in the spring season! When eaten raw, broccoli is crunchy and a little bit sweet. Cooked broccoli is tender and more sweet. Broccoli is in season from April to June in Oklahoma, so check your local farmer’s markets for the freshest broccoli during that season.

How to Choose:

Broccoli is ripe when the head is bright green and firm. Broccoli that is yellow, brown, or mushy is overripe. Also, look for broccoli buds that are tight and bunched together, instead of flowering buds. Check the bottom of the stem and make sure it is light green in color, not black or brown. Look at the stem, checking for any black spots, which would mean there may have been bugs on the broccoli.

How to Store:

Broccoli should be stored in the refrigerator. Wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel. This keeps the air moist and healthy to keep the broccoli ripe. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week. The broccoli should be washed and dried only when you are ready to eat it. After washing, cut it into pieces as big or small as desired. Broccoli can also be washed, cut up, and frozen for later use.

How to Cook:

Raw broccoli is delicious when eaten on its own, with dips, or tossed into a salad for extra crunch and nutrients. It can also be grilled, roasted, steamed, stir fried, and so much more! If you’re not sure where to start, we have lots of recipes to give you ideas of how to start eating broccoli!

Broccoli Recipes

Try broccoli in a flavor-packed wrap with the Asian Beef and Broccoli Wraps!

Broccoli Nutrition

Broccoli is packed with nutrients! It has vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, fiber, B vitamins, and potassium. Vitamin A is great for keeping our eyes healthy. Vitamin C helps keep us healthy by supporting the immune system. Vitamin K helps with healthy blood clotting, which allows our body to heal itself after getting hurt. Folate is important for cell growth, making it important during pregnancy. Fiber can help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, gut health, and it helps us feel full for a long time after eating. The B vitamins found in broccoli help with brain health and function. Potassium helps balance all the fluids in our body.

Summary

Broccoli is full of nutrients that help our bodies work the way it is designed to work. It is in season during Spring (April – June), so be sure to grab some and try it while it’s at its freshest point! Click here to find the closest SNAP-accepting farmer’s markets!