how to eat broccoli leaves

To use the leaves, wash them carefully and remove the thick mid-rib and stem. You can now chop the leaves or keep them whole. Thinly chopped, add them to a salad for a tasty difference. Put them on tacos or a sandwich.

Are broccoli leaves healthy?

Broccoli leaves cover 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs in a cup size serving. Broccoli greens also provide a healthy dose of fiber, B vitamins, calcium, iron, beta carotene, and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

Are broccoli leaves poisonous?

Despite the bad press broccoli gets, it is quite edible and nutritious. ... Most parts of the broccoli plant can be eaten, from the immature flowers to the stalks and even the leaves. The only parts of broccoli that have been shown to be poisonous are the seeds and roots.

Should I prune broccoli leaves?

Pruning the central head will force several large side shoots to develop as opposed to a large central head and numerous smaller side shoots. ... Studies have shown that pinching off all lateral or side shoots during the growing season will result in the development of a larger central head.

What could be eating my broccoli leaves?

These pests are often called “cabbage worms” even though they are actually caterpillars. While each has its unique characteristics, they share a common cycle and development process. The moths lay their eggs on the plants, typically on the leaves, singly or in clusters.

Can you do anything with broccoli leaves?

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.

Which is healthier broccoli or kale?

Kale has more of most vitamins and minerals per serving than broccoli, but more isn't always better. In reality, you can have too much of a good thing. ... Eaten raw kale and broccoli have cholesterol-lowering benefits, but steamed, both lower cholesterol even more and are majorly detoxifying.

Can you eat broccoli leaves Raw?

The large leaves may look intimidating, but they're easy to harvest and work with in the kitchen. You can eat broccoli leaves raw or you can cook them a number of ways; heat makes them sweeter. If you pick younger broccoli leaves off the plant, they're tender enough to toss raw into a salad or stuff into a sandwich.

Can you eat purple broccoli leaves?

The leaves are edible – only remove any tougher or wilting ones. Give them a rinse. Steam or boil in a little water for 5-7 minutes until tender.

Can you eat blooming broccoli?

The tender stems, leaves, buds, and flowers of the broccoli plant are all edible. Your bright yellow broccoli flowers are not only edible, but some people find them to be quite tasty as well, and they are sold at some high-scale markets as a delicacy.

Does broccoli regrow after cutting?

In general, broccoli plants can be harvested two or three times or for a period of up to three months. ... Once cut, the plant will produce smaller side heads for several weeks. Broccoli should be harvested when the heads are small, tight and firm. If flower buds appear, it should be cut immediately.

How do I know when broccoli is ready to harvest?

You'll know broccoli heads are ready when they're deep green with small, tightly packed buds. Harvest broccoli right away if it starts to flower or turn yellow. Side shoots will continue growing after the main head is harvested. Harvest side shoots when they reach their ideal color and firmness.

Is broccoli poisonous to humans?

In general, broccoli is safe to eat, and any side effects are not serious. The most common side effect is gas or bowel irritation, caused by broccoli's high amounts of fiber. "All cruciferous vegetables can make you gassy," Jarzabkowski said.

How do you kill bugs in broccoli?

To get rid of any bugs hiding in the broccoli florets, start by filling your sink with cold water. Add in 1/4 cup of salt and 2 tbsp of vinegar. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse the broccoli. During this process the broccoli must be completely submerged.

Should I cover broccoli plants?

If temperatures are likely to get colder or last longer, you need to provide the plants with some broccoli plant protection. ... If your broccoli heads are almost ready to harvest and temperatures are expected to dip into the 20's, cover the plants overnight with either a floating row cover or even an old blanket.

How do you control broccoli pests?

Use Soap Spray

The fatty acids in soap spray kill feeding bugs on contact. It works best against such soft-bodied broccoli pests as aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. Commercial insecticidal soap spray products are available in either premixed or concentrated forms.

How often should you water Broccoli?

Broccoli likes steady moisture to grow fast and produce good heads, so water regularly, applying 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week if rain doesn't cover it. You can measure the amount of water with a rain gauge left in the garden.

Can you eat celery leaves?

Eat the leaves.

Don't discard the leaves — that's where celery has the most calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. But because they don't store well, consume celery leaves within a day or two of purchase.

Can I freeze broccoli leaves?

Quick-freeze small clumps of greens individually on a cookie sheet (or in ice cube trays). After they're frozen, place clumps into freezer bags in bulk. Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing. Use portions as needed for dishes.

What are the top 10 super foods?

Superfoods list

Berries. High in fiber, berries are naturally sweet, and their rich colors mean they are high in antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients. ...
Fish. ...
Leafy greens. ...
Nuts. ...
Olive oil. ...
Whole grains. ...
Yogurt. ...
Cruciferous vegetables.

What part of broccoli is the healthiest?

Some people prefer broccoli florets, but you can eat the leaves and stems, too. The stalk contains the most fiber, while broccoli leaves are highest in cell-protecting antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and calcium.

What are the benefits of eating broccoli?

Broccoli is a good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.