Broccoli, which is also known as asparagus cabbage because of its delicately spicy aroma, is one of the extremely healthy types of vegetables: The superfood is packed with vital substances and also contains secondary plant substances that protect the body from free radicals. Before you can enjoy it, however, you have to thoroughly clean and wash the vegetables.

Small insects like to hide between the florets in the broccoli

Wash broccoli in clear water

Asparagus cabbage is always washed before cutting. To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Run cold water into the sink. Never use warm water, as this can cause the delicate rosettes to wilt.
  2. Add the vegetables, let them soak briefly and toss a little.
  3. Then hold the broccoli under running water to rinse off the loosened dirt. Run your fingers over all the florets and carefully bend them apart so that the water reaches all places.
  4. Shake off the asparagus cabbage thoroughly and pat dry with a clean cloth before preparation.

Clean broccoli in vinegar solution

This method removes dirt, pesticides and bacteria very well:

  1. Fill a bowl large enough to completely submerge the asparagus cabbage with water.
  2. Add a good dash of vinegar.
  3. Place broccoli in for about 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the vegetables and wash the vegetables thoroughly under running water, including between the florets.
  5. Shake dry and blot with a cloth.

Salt water bath against vermin

The vinegar bath has little effect on cabbage worms and small worms. For outdoor broccoli, it is therefore advisable to clean the vegetables in salt water:

  1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and dissolve a tablespoon or two of salt in it.
  2. Put the asparagus cabbage in the salted water and let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes.
  3. Keep moving your head in the salt water to flush out the insects.
  4. Clean thoroughly under running water.
  5. Gently bend the florets apart to remove any pests.
  6. Shake off and blot.

Clean broccoli

Before you start cooking, the asparagus cabbage has to be cut up. This is important because the stalk cubes take a slightly longer cooking time than the florets:

  1. Cut off dry, inedible stalks and coarse leaves.
  2. Separate the florets individually from the stalk with a sharp kitchen knife.
  3. Save the tender leaves, these can be cooked or chopped to decorate the dish.
  4. Peel the stalks and cut into bite-sized cubes.

tips

Broccoli has a very short cooking time. First, simmer the diced stalk in boiling salted water for one minute. Then add the florets. Cooking for four to five minutes is enough for the vegetables to be al dente.

Category:

Vegetable garden