Tag: broccoli

Broccoli is a vegetable that makes for a wonderful salad. Its bright green color and crisp-tender texture can be appealing if cooked properly.

Cooking broccoli properly might seem like a no-brainer, but many people do not do so. Broccoli, and all cruciferous vegetables, must not be overcooked, otherwise chemicals in the plant break down and release sulfurous compounds, such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, and interact with the chlorophyll in the plant, which cause the broccoli to turn an unappetizing brownish-grey color and have a very unpleasant smell.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends Americans consume three cups of leafy greens weekly or about half a cup each day.  These vegetables thrive in the cold of winter, making now the perfect time to start getting more greens into your diet.  Leafy greens are packed with nutrients including Vitamins A, C and K; folate, calcium and iron while providing a good source of fiber.

With that said, here are some common greens that can be found in your grocery store to help get you started with the recipes below.