Broccoli leaves can be prepared the same ways as kale, Swiss chard or collard and mustard greens. Try them in soups, salads or sandwiches, or even blended into a smoothie.
Can you eat the outer leaves of a broccoli plant?
Think it’s weird to eat broccoli leaves? It’s not — the broad outer leaves of the broccoli plant are edible and delicious, and grow so well in the garden that they beg to be used more in the kitchen! (And less in the compost pile.)
Are broccoli leaves good for you?
Broccoli leaves are their own super food.
Broccoli leaves hold their own among super foods like kale, chard, and other dark, leafy greens. Like the florets, they are loaded with sought after vitamins A, C, and K as well as fiber, thiamine, niacin, calcium, iron, and potassium.
What parts of broccoli plant are edible?
The fluffy little florets—the buds at the top of the stalk that pick up texture and absorb flavors and seasoning beautifully—get all of the love. But the stems can absolutely be eaten if you treat them right, and are completely delicious—like the florets, but more mild and sweet, almost like kohlrabi.
When can you eat broccoli leaves?
Yep, the leaves are as edible as the leaves of their nutrient-packed cousin kale! When the central head of a broccoli crown is still tightly in bud and tucked several inches below the tops of the highest leaves, it’s time to take your first harvest.
What can I do with broccoli stalks and leaves?
Here are a few ways to use up your cauliflower and broccoli stalks and leaves.
- Roasted. You can roast peeled stems cut into 1-2 inch sections right along with the plant’s florets.
- Stir-Fried. There are very few vegetables that don’t go well in a stir-fry.
- Slaw.
- Soup.
- Mac and Cheese.
- Pickled.
- Rice It.
- Braise.
How much of the broccoli plant is edible?
Broccoli has two main edible parts, the florets — the dark green forest-y tops which are actually undeveloped flower buds — and the stalk — the pale green undercarriage like the trunk of a tree.
What part of broccoli is the healthiest?
The stalk contains the most fiber, while broccoli leaves are highest in cell-protecting antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and calcium. At the store or farmers market, look for fresh broccoli with dark green or purple, not yellow, florets.
Do I need to prune broccoli plants?
Pruning generally isn’t necessary for broccoli plants. However, you should promptly remove any damaged or diseased stems before they can weaken the whole plant.
Are broccoli leaves high in iron?
According to NutritionData.Self.com, broccoli leaves are “a good source of Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron and Selenium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Manganese”.
Can you eat broccoli leaves and flowers?
Final Thoughts. As you can see, both broccoli leaves and broccoli flowers are edible and delicious. If you’re growing your own broccoli, now you can make the most of your garden by harvesting even more of the plant and turning them into tasty meals at home.
Does broccoli grow back after harvest?
Harvest broccoli right away if it starts to flower or turn yellow. Side shoots will continue growing after the main head is harvested.
How much of the broccoli stalk is edible?
The entire stalk is edible, however the very end where the broccoli stem was cut from the plant is usually hard. Cut the hard bottom, usually 1 inch from the bottom of the stem (and save to use in a food scrap broth!). What is this? Finally, cut the broccoli stems into slices and then chop into small pieces.
Why is my broccoli plant only growing leaves?
If your broccoli won’t head at all, other potential culprits are overcrowding, damage to the root system, or transplanting seedlings too late with roots that are root-bound. So how can you prevent having to squawk, “Help, my broccoli has no head!”? Ensure that the plants are receiving adequate water and nutrients.
How do you store broccoli leaves?
Before you plunk it in the compost pile, remove those broccoli leaves, chop them up, and put them in the freezer for later.
Can I juice broccoli leaves?
Broccoli leaves are also better suited for juicing than kale because of their sweeter taste and higher water content.
Can you cook and eat broccoli stalks?
Broccoli stalks can be added to both cold and hot salads. This is especially healthy for those who have a taste for raw vegetables. Broccoli stalks can be cooked with the florets either while you’re steaming the veggie, making soup out of it or adding it to a mixed vegetable sabzi.
Can you eat the stalk of broccoli raw?
Using a sharp knife, cut the broccoli florets from the main stem into bite-sized pieces. Both the florets and stems are completely safe to eat.
Can I cook broccoli stalks?
Broccoli stalks can be tough and fibrous but with some simple prep you can turn stems into a versatile and delicious ingredient. Just trim the ends and use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to peel the tough outer later, which can have a woody texture. Slice or shred the peeled stems to use in your favorite recipes.
How many times can you harvest broccoli?
How many times can you pick broccoli? Broccoli plants can be harvested two to three times for a period of up to three months. The plant first produces a large head in the center of the plant. Once this main head has been harvested, it will grow several smaller side heads for the next several weeks.
Are broccoli leaves bitter?
Description/Taste
Broccoli leaves have a succulent, crunchy texture and mild, sweet, green flavor with a slight bitterness. They are best when harvested at a young age as they will become more fibrous and bitter with time.