Not sure if it was the frost or what, but my broccoli is in a sad state this year. The heads are about the size of a baseball, at best. If you really look at the cost and labor it took me to grow this one very small stalk of broccoli, I really am in the hole. However, I have vowed that we will eat the whole broccoli plant and not just the itty bitty head on top. It is all edible; we just waste so much of it.
The leaves: They taste much like kale and behave the same way. You can throw them in with your smoothies or toss them in your soup. I put them in with my Zuppa Toscano soup (recipe here) and enjoy them daily in my green smoothie.
The stalks: You can eat these in all sorts of ways. You take the stalk and use a veggie peeler on it to remove the tough outer skin. Then, you can slice in any way. My favorite way is to use a fine julienne grater to make it into a broccoli slaw. Throw it into salads, soups, stir frys, etc.
The heads: You all know what to do with this part. I am sad that I won't have an abundance of broccoli this year since I love to stock up on my broccoli pesto. (recipe here). I also love broccoli soup and roasted broccoli with garlic and herbs in the oven. My kids love it as well. There are so many ways to serve it up. Maybe next year will be a little better. Last year I couldn't use it up fast enough. This year I will have to stretch it to make it until it is out of season. So sad.
Here was last years crop; just one days picking!
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9 comments:
Thanks for this post! I grew broccoli for the first time here in AZ this year and had a very meager harvest as well. I'm glad to know I can use up the other parts of the plant so that they won't go to waste!
My 17 year old daughter grew broccoli in her garden, and has been sad that there is so little on each plant. I can hardly wait fir her to get home from school today so I can show her this post! Broccoli plant, here we come!!!
Awesome!! My broccoli was sad too, so that is really good to know! Doesn't it keep coming up after you pick it though?
Do you know anything about indoor gardening? I am trying to find some info because I'd like to start growing some potatoes inside but I can't figure out what I need.
You will continue to get flowerets for a while but I use up the leaves and flowerets then use the stalk when they are done.
Shari,
If you could only see my pathetic broccoli and cauliflower plants this year....you would beam with pride in yours. Last 2 nights it got down to 8 degrees over here in Thatcher. Crazy cold!
Take care!
Leiah
Just checking in & letting you know I still love your blog!! I'm so glad you are getting this info out there for everyone to hear. Thanks for your hard work!
Thanks so much for this. I am on a bit of a using all the bits of the plant mission right now, so you've helped me a great deal. I sautéed some broccoli greens for my dinner plate tonight. The bonus is the cucumbers trying to grow behind them will get more light now, too. :-)
My Broccoli plants, (I have 12 of them) and they are at least5 feet tall and are producing great volumes. I am glad to learn today, that I may use the stalks for slaw! I love that stuff! Thanks for the info. Best wishes, Karen
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