In Season: Broccoli
Broccoli photo by Jason Bachman via Flickr/Creative Commons
Stepping into a big box grocery store, it’s easy to think that all produce grows all year round—but that’s hardly the case. In this series, we’ll highlight one in-season produce pick a week.
Broccoli
Nutrition: Broccoli is very high in vitamins C and K—one serving contains more than your daily requirement of each—and it’s also a good source of vitamin A and folate.
Why that’s important: Vitamin C keeps tissue formation and immune health strong; vitamin K regulates bone health and blood clotting; vitamin A is part of immune, bone, and reproductive health; and folate plays into cell division and DNA formation.
Where to find it: Check local farmers’ markets or the Boston Public Market.
Five broccoli recipes:
1. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
via Cooking Classy
Kiss your Chinese takeout habit goodbye with this lightened-up take on beef and broccoli. And since the recipe utilizes a slow cooker, it requires minimal hands-on effort.
2. Broccoli, Ham, and Mozzarella Baked With Eggs
via Focuseat
Make this egg dish for dinner one night, then eat the leftovers for breakfast the next morning. To keep it as virtuous as possible, leave out the optional sour cream.
3. Creamy Broccoli-White Bean Soup
via Martha Stewart
Love broccoli cheddar soup, but not the nutritional regret of eating a bowl of melted cheese? Try this recipe instead. White beans lend creaminess, while pine nuts and parmesan add indulgent-feeling flavors.
4. Asian Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
via Gimme Some Oven
Broccoli perfectly complements Asian flavors, like the edamame and peanut sauce in this hearty salad. To make it a bit more of meal, you could add lean protein like chicken.
5. One Sheet Pan Parmesan-Crusted Salmon with Roasted Broccoli
via Cooking Classy
There’s nothing better for busy weeknights than a one-pan recipe. To make this easy, healthy dinner, all you have to do is season your broccoli and salmon, lay them on a sheet pan, and cook for about 15 minutes—then you’re done.
