How to clean broccoli before cooking

Substances that may be contained in broccoli

Ms. Anjana B Nair - nutrition consultant at Motherhood Hospital, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru (India) - pointed out that some unhealthy substances will remain on broccoli.

Pesticides and residue: Fertilizers and pesticides are often used in the growing of broccoli. Proper cleaning is necessary to remove any chemical residue.

Microorganisms and bacteria: Broccoli can encounter microorganisms during cultivation, transportation and storage. Therefore, we need to wash it thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Dirt and debris: Like any other vegetable, broccoli will sometimes have a layer of dirt, sand, or other debris that needs to be washed off.

Health risks of not cleaning broccoli

According to Ms. Anjana B Nair, depending on the amount of contaminants present on the surface of the vegetable, broccoli that has not been washed thoroughly can contain contaminants that can negatively affect anyone's health.

Risk of Consuming Contaminants: The surface of broccoli can be covered with dirt, debris, and potentially harmful contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and bacteria.

Potential Bacteria: If broccoli comes into contact with contaminated water or surfaces during harvesting, transport or storage, it can contain dangerous bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella or Listeria. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain can result from ingesting these bacteria.

Reduced Freshness: The flavor and texture of broccoli can be affected by dirt and debris left on the broccoli. Eating broccoli that is muddy or gritty can make for a less enjoyable meal.

Pesticides: Pesticides are sometimes used in the growing of broccoli. The risk of exposure to pesticide residues, which can cause long-term health effects, exists if these residues are not adequately removed during cleaning.

Allergic reactions: Ms. Nair shared that accidentally swallowing insects or their eggs can cause allergies in some people.

How to clean broccoli?

Ms. Anjana B Nair guides how to clean broccoli before cooking.

- Rinse the broccoli under running water. To remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the broccoli, gently scrub with your hands.

- Trim the leaves and stems: You can remove the large leaves and long stems of the broccoli. These parts are often discarded because they may contain more dirt or debris.

- Soak in water: Place the broccoli in a large bowl and cover with water. To help remove any remaining seeds, swirl the broccoli around in the water and soak for a while.

- Rinse again: After soaking, rinse the broccoli one more time under running water to remove any contaminants or loose soil.

- Check for insects: Broccoli sometimes has small insects and their eggs, especially in the broccoli stems. Check the broccoli thoroughly and if there are any, gently brush them away with a brush or remove them by soaking them in salt water for a short time.

- Use a vegetable brush: If you want, you can scrub the broccoli with a vegetable brush while you wash it. This is especially helpful for cleaning the rough surface of the broccoli stems of dirt, says Nair.

Source: https://laodong.vn/dinh-duong-am-thuc/cach-lam-sach-bong-cai-xanh-truoc-khi-che-bien-1374028.ldo