Broccoli, a member of the Mustard Family, was known to early colonists, who brought it from Europe where it originated in its wild form around the Mediterranean.
Care and Handling
Ideal Storage Temperature: 34°-36° F. 85-90% relative humidity. Broccoli should be refrigerated, topped with ice, and stored in an area with good air circulation. Allow adequate spacing between boxes and handle with care to avoid discoloration, or deterioration.
Tips
- Good quality broccoli should have fresh-looking, light green stalks of consistent thickness. Bud clusters should be compact and dark green with some purple tinge.
- Don’t make the mistake of discarding the broccoli stalk. Even the thickest stalk can be used and is quite delicious. Simply peel the outside skin from the stalk and cook as you would the rest of the broccoli. Cutting the stalks into thin slices and adding to stir-fry makes a great star-shaped addition to the appearance and texture of your meal.
Did You Know?
Broccoli comes from the Italian word brocco meaning Branch – but really we think it tastes much better than bark.