Broccoli

Season:  June through early November

Varieties: Broccoli comes in a range of hues from bright green to bluish green to purple. There are three types of broccoli commonly grown.  They are "Sprouting Broccoli" with a large number of heads with many stalks, “Romanesco,” the florets of which are cone-shaped and brilliantly chartreuse, and "Purple Cauliflower“, which is shaped like cauliflower.  

Nutritional Information:  Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. While low in calories, it is high in vitamin C and K and dietary fiber. IT is also a good source of beta-carotene, folate, manganese and phytonutrients. 

Storage: Store broccoli unwashed in an unsealed plastic bag for up to a week in the refrigerator.  Broccoli should be kept dry. 

Tips: Broccoli can be frozen. Blanch, plunge into ice water, pat dry and place in an airtight container.

Recipes: How to cook broccoli, Roast Broccoli with Lemon, Pureed Broccoli Soup