Broccoli is not only delicious but also healthy. Broccoli contains a wide range of nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, fiber, and potassium.
Broccoli is also an excellent source of protein. As a result, broccoli is considered one of the most nutrient-rich foods. If you are into exercising at the gym, you will undoubtedly be familiar with broccoli, and you probably eat it daily.
This being said, many of you may not be familiar with the different parts of broccoli. So, if you are wondering what a broccoli spear is, then this article is just for you.
What is a Spear of Broccoli?
Everything that exists is divided into parts of some sort. Broccoli is no exception. Broccoli is divided into three main parts: the head, the spear, and the crown.
The head of broccoli is the whole cluster of flowers that are cut from just above the root. The crown is the topmost part of the broccoli, including the florets. The crown does not include the stalk.
The spear includes both the broccoli stalk and the head of the broccoli, which is cut longways. The upper parts of the broccoli are what is generally consumed. This includes the stalk and the florets.
The broccoli stalk and stem contain most of the vitamins and minerals. This makes the broccoli spear the perfect choice of broccoli for you to purchase.
In addition, the broccoli stem has a different texture to the broccoli florets, making it diverse and interesting.
Benefits of Broccoli
As mentioned earlier, broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins and protein. Broccoli is highly versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Broccoli is delicious when eaten raw in a salad. It also makes a lovely side to a meal. If you are vegetarian or vegan, broccoli is a great way to get all your nutrients in.
How To Cook Broccoli Spears
There are various ways to cook a broccoli spear, but many methods result in soggy broccoli. The best way to cook broccoli is to bring a pot of water to a boil and then place the broccoli spears in the rapidly boiling water.
Leave the broccoli in the water for 5 minutes. Next, you can run a sharp knife down the broccoli stem to test if it is cooked.
When cooked, the blade should easily slide into the broccoli stem, but it should still feel firm and not mushy. Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the water and place it in a colander to drain.
You can season your broccoli with a tablespoon of olive oil and some salt. Alternatively, sprinkle cayenne pepper and paprika over the broccoli, and top with grated cheese.
Melt the cheese under the grill and serve hot. Broccoli spears are also delicious when seasoned with garlic and lemon juice. Add chunks of chicken and partially boiled bell peppers to the broccoli and flavor with soya sauce for a complete dish.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has shown you what a broccoli spear is and how you can cook it. Leave a comment below with a picture of how you cooked your broccoli spears – we’d love to see your ideas! Any questions about broccoli spears are also welcome.