What to Cook Now: Broccoli

It may be nutrient-packed, but broccoli is much more than mere health food. Steamed, blanched, sautéed, or even braised, this verdant vegetable, along with its distant relatives broccoli rabe and Chinese broccoli, makes healthful eating seem as alluring as gorging on bacon.

Use Your Eyes and Your Nose
When shopping for broccoli, avoid heads that emit any odor and those whose florets have begun to sprout yellow flowers.

Store Properly
To store, put broccoli in the refrigerator stalk-end down in a large glass of water, and cover it loosely with plastic wrap.

Save the Stems
Don't throw out those delicious broccoli stems. Slice them into small pieces, and start to cook them about two minutes before you do the florets.

Click here for many more recipes.


RELATED LINKS:

  • Epicurious's New Seasonal Ingredient Map
    This handy interactive tool allows you to select your state and month to get a list of fruits and veggies you can expect to see at your local farmers' market.

  • Fire It Up
    Conquer the coals with our complete guide to grilling and barbecue