Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, boost collagen production, and reduce inflammation. The vegetable is also a rich source of vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing and contains antioxidants that can help eliminate free radicals, fibre to stimulate the digestive tract, and lower amounts of vitamin A, potassium, folate, and phosphorus.
Broccoli heads are generally green, sometimes flushed with dark purple depending on the variety, and contain tiny, unopened buds attached to branching stems. The thick, raw stems also have a crisp, crunchy, slightly chewy texture, and the leaves are edible but often contain a bitter, fibrous nature. When cooked, Broccoli develops a soft, semi-crunchy consistency and has vegetal, herbaceous, and earthy flavours with grassy, bittersweet nuances.
Broccoli is a versatile ingredient well-suited for both raw and cooked applications, including steaming, boiling, roasting, baking, frying, and sautéing. The heads, stems, and leaves are all edible and will contain varying textures and flavours.