Can you eat broccoli raw?

Despite broccoli's popularity, not everyone knows how to properly prepare and eat it. For example, you might wonder whether it's safe to eat fresh, uncooked broccoli. The answer is a resounding yes. Raw florets are used in appetizers, salads, side dishes, and healthy smoothies.

What is broccoli?

Broccoli, also known as asparagus broccoli, is a close relative of cauliflower. It resembles a large, edible green head. A mature head looks like a dense cluster of dark buds on a thick stem.

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This annual plant grows up to 1 meter in height. Broccoli is native to the Mediterranean. This green, healthy vegetable is especially popular in America, but it also finds its way into the Russian market.

Benefits of vegetables for adults and children

Cabbage is beneficial for everyone. Broccoli contains:

• high content of vitamins C, K;
• high content of essential building material for the nervous system - B vitamins;
• the product is rich in minerals (magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, zinc);
• contains omega acids, vitamin E;
• high amount of dietary fiber necessary for proper digestion.

Green florets are beneficial for athletes and those who are overweight. Cabbage helps normalize digestion and metabolism, and also strengthens bones.

Other useful properties:

• strengthening the body's immune system;
• normalization of the nervous system;
• health of skin, hair, nails;
• preservation and maintenance of vision.

When consuming, remember that to reap the benefits, it's important to consume in moderation and avoid overeating. Additionally, there are some contraindications:

• intolerance to any component in the composition;
• hypothyroidism;
• gastrointestinal diseases.

How to choose the right cabbage

To get the most benefit from your food, choose your ingredients carefully when purchasing cabbage. Cabbage should be fresh and high-quality.

Adviсe:

• collect the inflorescences before the yellow flowers bloom - if the cabbage has bloomed, it means it is overripe and should not be bought;
• Fresh domestically produced vegetables can only be purchased in August-September;
• the stem should be thin, and the inflorescence should be dense and elastic;
• When broken, the stem should crunch, and not be limp and soft.

Inflorescences broccoli can be frozen They can be boiled, fried, or baked. They can also be eaten fresh, as a vegetable snack or as an ingredient in various salads.

Raw broccoli dishes

Fresh florets pair beautifully with cheese, cucumbers, nuts, radishes, and sour cream. Raw broccoli has a mild, neutral flavor, making it suitable for a variety of recipes.

Green smoothie

A thick drink made from vegetables and a small amount of yogurt. It's a liquid puree that's consumed immediately after preparation.

Compound:

• broccoli – 150 g;
• banana – 1;
• walnuts – 30 g;
• drinking yogurt - 100 g.

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth, drink.

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Salad with apples and broccoli

Among the various broccoli-based appetizers, two trends emerge: vegetable salad recipes and salads with meat. A vegetarian version for 2 servings.

Ingredients:

• asparagus cabbage – 200 g;
• apple – 200 g;
• almonds – 40 g;
• radish – 100 g;
• raisins – 40 g;
• olive oil, lemon juice – for dressing.

Preparation:

1. Divide the clean cabbage into small florets.
2. Cut the apple and radish into small cubes.
3. Chop the almonds sharply.
4. Rinse the raisins with hot water, if necessary, pour boiling water over them for 5 minutes.
5. Mix all ingredients and season.

Salad with chicken fillet

This dish combines crisp green vegetables with tender chicken. The salad can be dressed with olive oil and mustard for an interesting new flavor.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• cabbage – 150 g;
• fillet – 150 g;
• cucumber – 100 g;
• celery stalk – 100 g;
• mustard seeds – 2 tsp;
• olive oil.

How to cook:

1. Boil the chicken fillet.
2. Chop the cucumber and celery into slices and combine with the broccoli florets.
3. Cut the fillet and add to the vegetables.
4. Season with a mixture of mustard and oil.

Conclusion

Broccoli is a healthy vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's beneficial for the body both fresh and cooked. Eating it raw preserves all its nutrients. Broccoli makes a delicious addition to salads and smoothies.