Availability, Nutrition, and Recipe Suggestions
In Season: At Brix Bounty we grow a modest June broccoli crop and a limited crop for the fall (September – October)
Storage: Broccoli has a high respiration rate and is best kept in the fridge. It’s flavor is best when enjoyed close to harvest, as its sugars will start to convert to starch after harvest. You can keep it in a zipped lock bag or wrapped in a moist towel. Broccoli can also be stored with the stem in water.
Preservation: The best way to preserve broccoli is to cut it into florets. Blanch it in boiling water, drain, and freeze.
Production Notes: At Brix Bounty we grow a limited amount of broccoli due to its large space requirements and minor profitability. Our spring crop harvested starting mid-June runs for a few short weeks into early July before the summer heat goes full furnace. Fall production is variable from season to season, depending on growing conditions and available field space. In 2019 we’ll aim to bring back a light harvest of fall broccoli for late September into October. Grown primarily for our CSA members, we’ll have occasional supplies available at the farmstand during these times.
Varieties: Most varieties of broccoli are not well suited for production during the high summer when humidity and warm nights are the norm. While investment in new varieties for the eastern seaboard are coming along, we continue to rely on a mix of favorites, typically planting each block with 2 or 3 varieties to stagger the harvest. Bay Meadows, Green Magic, and Gypsy have proven most reliable for our farm over the years.
Nutrition: Broccoli is a good source of Protein, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, and Iron. [Nutritiondata.self.com]
Deep Nutrition: Broccoli contains high amounts of vitamin K1, which is important for blood clotting and may promote bone health. Broccoli has high a amount of Folate (b9) which is good for pregnant women and the promotion of cell growth. [healthline.com]
Deep Science: Research on Broccoli has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known as anti-inflammatory. Along with this, broccoli can also help people suffering from arthritis as broccoli contains sulforaphane, a chemical that blocks the enzymes that can cause joint destruction and hence lead to inflammation. [Timesofindia.indaitimes.com]
Preparation: Cut off main stem and then cut off individual florets. Rinse thoroughly and cut off blemishes. Broccoli is best raw, steamed or roasted.
Broccoli Recipe Suggestions:
- Vegan Curried Broccoli and Chickpea Salad [Ambitiouskitchen.com]
- Oven Roasted Broccoli [geniuskitchen.com]
- Cheesy Cauliflower Rice and Broccoli Bake [minimalistbaker.com]
- Cream of Broccoli Soup [geniuskitchen.com]
Yum.
authored by: Danny Guillotte and Derek Christianson
Updated February 2019