pkg broccoli spears
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, with significant levels of dietary fiber and sulforaphane (a phytonutrient with potential anti-inflammatory properties). One cup of raw broccoli florets contains approximately 31 calories and 3 grams of protein.
About
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a cruciferous vegetable native to the Mediterranean and cultivated widely throughout temperate regions. The edible portion consists of the flowering head and stalk, composed of tightly clustered florets arranged in a tree-like structure atop a thick central stem. Broccoli spears specifically refer to individual florets with their attached stalks, either cut from the main head or sold as pre-portioned packages. The vegetable has a mild, slightly grassy flavor with subtle sweet undertones when raw, which becomes more pronounced and nutty when cooked. Common cultivars include calabrese (the standard green variety), purple sprouting broccoli, and Romanesco (with its distinctive spiraling fractal florets).
Culinary Uses
Broccoli spears are among the most versatile and widely used cruciferous vegetables in global cuisines. They may be steamed, roasted, stir-fried, blanched, or consumed raw in salads and vegetable platters. In Asian cooking, broccoli features prominently in stir-fries paired with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce; in Western cuisine, it appears roasted with olive oil and garlic, in cream-based gratins, or as a vegetable side dish. The florets provide textural contrast and nutritional value in composed dishes, while the tender stalks—often peeled to remove fibrous outer layers—are equally edible and flavorful. Broccoli pairs well with butter, cheese, lemon, garlic, and sesame flavors.