How to Buy Broccoli at the Store

Broccoli is one of the best things you can eat to maintain a healthy diet. The following article will show you how to choose the freshest and tastiest broccoli when you shop at the grocery store.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. TIME IT RIGHT. How long has the broccoli you choose been sitting in the produce section? You'll never know, unless you ask. So find the produce manager and ask when he puts the fresh broccoli out. It's well worth knowing and timing your visits accordingly.

2. GO FOR THE PURPLE. Of course broccoli is green, and you want to choose broccoli that has a nice deep green color. But did you ever notice a grayish-purple color on the florets? That's your key to choosing a really flavorful broccoli. Trust me on this. You won't believe the difference until you compare "purple" broccoli with the ordinary kind. The nutritional value is the same, but the "purple" broccoli is so much tastier!

3. CHECK FOR FRESHNESS. Color won't help if the broccoli you choose is rubbery, has wilted leaves, brown areas, or just looks bad. The broccoli you want is firm, deep green (or with purplish-gray crowns -- see Step 2 above), and chilled. Don't accept less-than-appetizing broccoli just because it's there. If you don't like what you see, ask the produce manager if he has a fresher selection.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose broccoli with tight, compact crowns and firm, bright green stalks.
• Avoid broccoli with yellow florets or leaves.
• Check the end of the stalks to make sure they are moist and have no openings. Tight, closed, moist stalks indicate fresher, more tender broccoli.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 11/25/2009 I love broccoli leaves and will be on the look out for purple broccoli from now on. I've seen it but never knew it was tastier!