This article provides an overview of broccoli, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make broccoli substitutes.
What is Broccoli?
Broccoli is an edible green plant, a part of the cabbage family. It has a large flowering head and a tree-like stalk, with smaller leaves attached.
All parts of the plant are edible, but the flowering head is the most popular. It can be eaten in many ways, including, raw, steamed, stir-fried, and grilled.
What does Broccoli taste like?
Broccoli is often described as having a slightly bitter taste, due to certain genes inside the plant. It is also often described as sweet-tasting, especially when cooked. The flowers have a stronger taste than the stalk and depending on how it’s cooked, the texture can be crunchy or soft.
Is Broccoli readily available in Supermarkets?
Broccoli is a very well-known vegetable that is readily available in supermarkets. It can also be commonly found at local grocery stores. Broccoli can be found either refrigerated or on the shelves. It is also quite common to find in the freezer aisle.
What are some alternative names for Broccoli?
There aren’t any alternative names for broccoli, however, it could be described as similar to cabbage or cauliflower. It can also be bought in the form of a tender stem, which is longer and thinner than the usual flowering heads, but the distinct green tree-like shape is what to look out for – this is broccolini.
What are some good substitutes for Broccoli in a recipe?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for broccoli. These include:
- Broccoli can easily be substituted for other members of the broader broccoli family (Brassicaceae) in an almost like-for-like fashion such as:
- If your kids hate broccoli which is all too common some great alternatives can be:
- Cauliflower
- Colored broccoli may be a fun option
- If putting into sauces such as Bolognese, etc finely chopping it can disguise it well