Broccoli is one of the most useful and characteristic vegetables that is used in many Iranian and international dishes due to its unique appearance. However, the dense structure of its flowers is a suitable substrate for the accumulation of dirt, pollution and even small insects. For this reason, it is necessary to properly wash this vegetable in order to preserve its quality and taste in addition to removing impurities. In this article, we teach you 10 ways to wash broccoli so that you can consume this nutritious vegetable with complete confidence.
How to wash broccoli
Why is it important to wash broccoli?
Because of the dense structure of its florets, broccoli may hide soil, pesticides, and even tiny insects between the florets and the crevices of its stems. If these contaminants are not removed before consumption, they may harm your health. Proper washing not only removes these contaminants, but also makes broccoli tastier and ready for cooking. Also, washing prevents microbial contamination from entering the body and preserves its nutritional value.
Wash broccoli with cold water
One of the easiest ways to clean broccoli is to use cold water. Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water and soak the broccoli in it for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps to loosen soil particles and pollution. After soaking, gently wash the broccoli with your hands or a soft brush to clean all crevices between the florets and stems. Finally, rinse it under running water until it is completely clean.
Use white vinegar solution
To kill pesticides and bacteria, make a mixture of three parts water and one part white vinegar. Soak broccoli in this solution for 15 to 20 minutes. Vinegar has naturally disinfecting properties and removes stubborn stains. After soaking, rinse the broccoli with cold water to completely remove the remaining vinegar and impurities. This method is especially suitable for people who are sensitive to food health.
Wash broccoli with salt water
Use salt water to kill worms and small insects. Fill a large bowl with cold water and a teaspoon of salt. Put the broccoli in the solution and keep its head down. This method causes the insects to leave the flowers and come to the surface of the water. After 15 to 30 minutes, wash the broccoli under cold water to completely remove the salt and impurities.
Using a brush for vegetables
If there are stubborn dirt on the broccoli, you can use a soft brush for washing vegetables. Carefully and slowly drag the brush over the broccoli flowers and stems to remove dirt particles and pollution. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the flowers, as it may damage its structure.
Dry broccoli after washing
After washing the broccoli, let the excess water drain. You can put it in a colander and shake it by hand to remove excess water. Then, use a paper towel or clean towel to dry the broccoli completely. This step is very important, especially if you plan to store the broccoli in the refrigerator.
Remove unusable stems
Remove dry or damaged broccoli stems before washing. These stems usually have more pollution and are not suitable for consumption. Trimming off excess stems makes washing easier and prevents additional contamination from entering your food.
Proper storage of broccoli after washing
If you don’t plan to eat broccoli right away, after washing it, put it in a closed container or plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the broccoli is completely dry, as excess moisture can cause it to spoil faster.
Washing method for raw consumption
If you plan to eat broccoli raw, washing should be more thorough. In addition to using a vinegar or salt water solution, you can blanch broccoli in boiling water for a few seconds and then immediately place it in ice water. In addition to removing contaminants, this method improves the taste of raw broccoli.
Using vegetable washing machines
For people who do not have enough time to wash, using vegetable washing machines is a suitable option. These devices quickly remove dirt particles and pollution by producing water vibrations. However, it is still recommended to rinse broccoli with cold water after washing.
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