Can You Eat Broccoli Greens? What No One Tells You!

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from one of our links we may earn a commission. Thanks

Can You Eat Broccoli Greens? Broccoli plant with head and leaves
broccoli, plant, garden

Most of you have eaten broccoli heads or florets and broccoli sprouts and broccoli microgreens are becoming increasingly popular too but can you eat broccoli greens? Here is the answer:

Can You Eat Broccoli Greens?

Yes, you can eat broccoli leaves. Broccoli is a member of the brassica family which includes many common vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and more. All parts of these plants including broccoli leaves, flowers, and stems are edible.

Somewhere online people started to ask are broccoli leaves toxic but this is totally untrue. They are extremely healthy even for pets.

Eating Broccoli Leaves? You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!

I used to grow broccoli for the fresh market and most people only wanted to eat broccoli heads. No one even sold broccoli florets back then.

When you sell broccoli by the pound you want to include the stem too. I wanted to balance the long stem with the head size so customers would be happy with their purchase. I did not care that most would just throw the stem out.

Eating Broccoli Stems

One of my customers was a Chinese cook in a restaurant who told me they never used the heads because they always had bugs in them. Instead, they used the stems.

That got me thinking so I decided to try them. They were very good and tasted a bit like asparagus at least to me.

They got tougher as they got older but you could balance them and remove the tough outer skin. So you live and learn. Now I never throw the stems out.

But I must admit I never thought about eating broccoli leaves at the time.

How To Cook Broccoli Leaves And Stems

Broccoli stems are tender when young but as time goes on they can develop a tough outer skin. If you blanch your stems you can peel off that tough skin and you are left with the stem’s heart.

You can eat broccoli stems whole with butter or olive oil. They can also be sliced and used in stir-fries.

Broccoli leaves can be steamed or sauteed. What do broccoli leaves taste like? To me, they taste similar to kale leaves.

mature broccoli leaf and mid rib

When cooking broccoli leaves the smaller and younger leaves can be used whole. For older and larger leaves you will want to remove the large center vein before using them.

You can learn how to freeze broccoli leaves and store them for later. You will want to blanch them first or you can freeze them as is but color and texture will change.

I should point out that I am by no means a chef but here is some information about cooking with broccoli leaves.

Growing Broccoli Indoors

I will not cover growing broccoli indoors here but will detail it in a separate article.

However, it is easy to grow a single broccoli plant in a container. Broccoli plants will continue to produce smaller broccoli heads, stems, and leaves for quite a while.

I think it is a good plant for urban gardeners to grow because it offers an extended harvest period.

Growing Broccoli Outdoors – Broccoli Raab

If you grow broccoli or other brassica family plants outdoors you can overwinter it in milder climates. Generally, these plants won’t survive temperatures below 10° Fahrenheit.

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are able to create sugars to prevent freezing. When they start to flower this new growth is called raab and it is often much sweeter.

Growing Broccoli Sprouts And Broccoli Microgreens

A mature broccoli plant can take 60 to 85 days to first harvest. If you want to grow broccoli baby greens they will take 30-45 days.

You can harvest individual leaves and if you don’t cut the stem down to the ground they will continue to grow more leaves. Here’s more on growing baby greens.

But you can also sprout broccoli seeds in about a week. If you want to grow broccoli microgreens at home you will need about 2 weeks. So if you are impatient or want some fast greens this is the way to do it.

Broccoli Has Many Health Benefits

Broccoli offers many health benefits and that makes it worth growing and eating. According to Healthline

• Packed With Vitamins, Minerals, and Bioactive Compounds. 
• Contains Potent Antioxidants That Offer Health-Protective Effects. 
• Bioactive Compounds May Contribute to Reduced Inflammation. 
• May Protect Against Certain Types of Cancer. 
• Antioxidants and Fiber May Aid Blood Sugar Control. 
• May Support Heart Health in a Variety of Ways.

Whether you buy broccoli or grow it yourself broccoli leaves benefits will do a body good.

Broccoli Greens FAQ:

Broccoli, often seen as a superfood, comes packed with a host of nutritional benefits.

While the florets are commonly consumed, the leaves and stems are equally nutritious and versatile in culinary use.

Here are some frequently asked questions to expand your knowledge about the different parts of broccoli and how you can make the most out of this wholesome vegetable.

Q. What are the nutritional benefits of broccoli leaves?

A. Broccoli leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants that are known for their health-protective effects. They also contain dietary fiber which is beneficial for digestive health.

Q. How can broccoli stems and leaves be prepared for cooking?

A. For stems, blanching and then peeling off the tough outer skin is recommended.

They can be sliced and used in stir-fries or eaten whole. Broccoli leaves can be steamed or sautéed, and larger leaves may need the central vein removed for a tender texture.

Q. Can broccoli be grown indoors for leaf harvest?

A. Yes, broccoli can be grown indoors in containers. A single plant can continue to produce smaller heads, stems, and leaves for an extended period, making it a good choice for urban gardeners.

Q. Are there any concerns about pesticides on broccoli leaves?

A. Like other vegetables, broccoli can have pesticide residues. Washing them thoroughly under running water or opting for organic broccoli can help mitigate pesticide concerns.

Conclusion

Eating Broccoli Greens is not only safe but also healthy. They belong to the brassica family, sharing nutritional benefits with kale and cabbage among others.

Broccoli leaves can be steamed, sautéed, or used in stir-fries, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes.

Incorporating broccoli greens into your diet can be a step towards a more nutritious meal plan.

Nutritional Bounty:

Broccoli greens, often overshadowed by the popular florets, are a nutritional powerhouse waiting to be discovered.

They are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are pivotal for maintaining good health.

Their culinary versatility is an added bonus, allowing for a variety of delicious preparations, from steaming to sautéing, aligning with the taste profiles of more recognized leafy greens like kale or collard greens.

Prolonged Harvesting:

Growing broccoli plants, whether indoors or outdoors, offers an extended harvesting period, a boon for those looking to have a steady supply of nutritious greens.

With every stage of its growth, from microgreens to mature plants, broccoli provides a bounty.

It’s not just about the florets; the stems and leaves are equally edible and nutritious, making broccoli a holistic choice for an urban gardener.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, embracing broccoli greens not only elevates our nutritional intake but also embodies a sustainable and holistic approach to gardening.

The nutritional bounty they offer is on par with if not more than, the commonly consumed parts of the plant.

Moreover, the prolonged harvesting period that broccoli plants provide ensures a steady, cost-effective supply of wholesome greens, making every part of the broccoli plant a valuable, edible, and enjoyable entity.