Broccoli is an amazing vegetable. It's accessible, super nutritious, and can be prepared in so many ways that even the most passionate vegetable denier can't help but enjoy its deliciousness. As a bonus, kids can pretend like it's a bunch of little trees and they're giant monsters plucking them from the plate and eating them. We may or may not still do that as adults. Ahem, anyways.
This month's produce spotlight has found its way into the hearts and tummies of Americans everywhere, and we thought now would be a great time to celebrate that green and delicious staple of our vegetable intake.
While broccoli may seem commonplace these days, it actually has a pretty interesting origin. Broccoli was first cultivated in the Mediterranean over 2000 years ago, and didn't make its way to America until the late 1920s. That means this ancient and venerable veggie is newer to America than chili dogs, jazz, and the television.
These days, California produces about 90% of the broccoli in the US, and its primary growing season is between July and October.
Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. All of these veggies share a similar nutritional composition and health benefits, though we'd have to say broccoli takes the cake in terms of yum-factor.
In 2017, broccoli was ranked as the third most popular vegetable in the United States, after potatoes and salad greens.
Broccoli is chock-full of nutrients that are essential to human health. A one-cup serving of broccoli contains:
It's also low in calories, fat, and sodium, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or blood pressure.
Broccoli is a particularly good source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help lower cholesterol levels. The vitamin C in broccoli helps support the immune system, and the folate aids in cell growth and development.
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the body, and manganese is a mineral that plays a role in energy production.
The nutritional impact of broccoli, or the "Broccolian Power" as we like to say, is simply astounding.
Now that we know a little bit more about this nutritional powerhouse, let's talk about how to enjoy it.
Broccoli can be enjoyed cooked or raw, and there are so many ways to prepare it that you're sure to find a favorite method. It can be steamed, grilled, roasted, sauteed, stir-fried, or even eaten raw in a salad.
It's also a great addition to soups and casseroles, and makes a delicious dip when pureed with some cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
Personally, we like the tiniest bit of charring on the outside and some butter melted on top, but we'll never say no to a nice big bowl of broccoli and cheese soup.
The word "broccoli" comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means "the flowering crest of a cabbage", and is the diminutive form of brocco, meaning "small nail" or "sprout".
When you order your groceries with Caboodle, broccoli is just one of the many produce items you can use to build your delivery bundles.
You can also choose from a wide variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, pantry staples, and more. No matter what you're in the mood for, we've got you covered.
Better yet, we'll deliver it straight to your door with no extra delivery fees. Now that's a great way to acquire your brocc!
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