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A close photo of broccoli
NewVegetablesStem vegetables

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cool-season green vegetable valued for its dense flower buds, edible stalk, and mild earthy flavor. It is commonly eaten raw or cooked, and stands out for supplying vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and folate with relatively few calories.

Did you know ?

  • 1 Broccoli belongs to the same species as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
  • 2 The common supermarket form is usually Calabrese broccoli, named after Calabria in Italy.
  • 3 Broccoli heads are harvested before the flower buds open into yellow blossoms.

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Nutrition

Detailed nutritional values of broccoli

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Values of 100g of raw broccoli :

Calories34 kcal
Proteins2.8g
Carbohydrates6.6g
of which sugars1.7g
Fiber2.6g
Fats0.4g

Vitamins and minerals

Main vitamins

Vitamin CVitamin KVitamin B9Vitamin A

Main minerals and trace elements

PotassiumManganesePhosphorusIron

Ripeness

How to know if broccoli is ripe ?

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Perfectly ripe broccoli

Perfectly ripe

Market-ready broccoli has a compact head of tight dark green buds, a firm stalk, and a fresh vegetal smell with no yellow flowers.

How to recognize this state :

  • Tight, compact florets
  • Deep green to blue-green color
  • Firm stalk that feels heavy for its size
  • No open yellow flowers
  • Fresh, mild cabbage-like aroma
  • Cut stem looks moist rather than dry
  • No slimy patches
  • Leaves, if attached, still look fresh

Selection

How to choose broccoli ?

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To choose quality broccoli at the supermarket or market :

  • Look for tight, compact florets with a deep green color
  • Choose heads that feel heavy and firm
  • Avoid yellow flowers, widespread yellowing, or limp stalks
  • Check the cut stem for freshness rather than dryness or browning
  • Prefer broccoli with no strong sulfur smell or excess moisture in the package

Storage and ripening

How to store and ripen broccoli ?

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How to store broccoli ?

  • Keep broccoli cold in the refrigerator and use it as soon as possible for best quality.
  • Store it unwashed in a loose or perforated bag so moisture can escape while the head stays hydrated.
  • Keep it away from ethylene-producing fruits such as apples, pears, and bananas, which speed up yellowing.
  • If cut into florets, refrigerate in an airtight container and use within a few days.

How to ripen broccoli ?

Broccoli is harvested for freshness, not for post-harvest ripening. Here is how to keep it at its best :

  • Do not leave broccoli at room temperature to 'ripen' because quality declines quickly.
  • If the head is very immature from the garden, let it remain on the plant rather than trying to ripen it after harvest.
  • Use steaming, roasting, or stir-frying to bring out sweetness in firmer heads.

Health

Health benefits of broccoli

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  • Rich in vitamin C, which supports normal immune function
  • Provides vitamin K, important for normal blood clotting and bone health
  • Contains fiber that supports digestive health and satiety
  • Supplies folate, useful for cell growth and normal metabolism
  • Low in calories while contributing useful micronutrients

Origin

What is the origin of broccoli ?

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Origins of broccoli

Broccoli was developed from wild cabbage around the Mediterranean region and became especially associated with Italy, where forms such as Calabrese broccoli were cultivated long before it spread widely elsewhere. Today it is grown in many temperate regions and is one of the best-known brassica vegetables worldwide.

Regions of origin

  • Eastern Mediterranean
  • Italy, especially Calabria

Recipes

Cook broccoli according to its ripeness

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Unripe

  • Quick stir-fried baby broccoli
  • Tender broccoli and pea salad
  • Light broccoli soup

Perfectly ripe

  • Roasted broccoli with olive oil
  • Broccoli gratin
  • Steamed broccoli with lemon

Overripe

  • Creamy broccoli soup
  • Broccoli puree
  • Broccoli pasta sauce

Gallery

Broccoli across the world

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F.A.Q

Frequently asked questions

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Warnings

Warnings and precautions for broccoli

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  • Discard broccoli that is slimy, moldy, or foul-smelling
  • Wash thoroughly before eating to remove soil and debris
  • People taking anticoagulant medication should keep vitamin K intake consistent rather than changing it abruptly
  • Large amounts of broccoli may cause bloating or digestive discomfort in some people

Do not confuse with

Cauliflower

Closely related to broccoli but forms a dense pale head rather than green florets.

Broccolini

A broccoli hybrid with smaller florets and longer, more tender stems.

Romanesco

A related brassica with pointed fractal heads and a slightly nuttier taste.