How to wash broccoli

When cooking broccoli, we must first wash it. We know that broccoli does seem to be troublesome to wash, but it must be washed in time. In addition to rinsing it with running water, the best way is to soak it in salt water. Because its flowers are relatively tight, there are often some small insects and some insect eggs hidden in them. Soaking in salt water can thoroughly clean the broccoli.

How to wash broccoli

Step 1: Soak in salt water

Broccoli flowers are relatively tight, and often contain small debris such as insects, insect eggs, or dust. The way to remove these small debris is to soak them in salt water.

1. First prepare a basin of clean water, add more salt and stir until dissolved. The amount of salt should be enough that the water tastes salty.

2. Then soak the whole broccoli in salt water. If you feel that soaking the whole broccoli is too wasteful of water, you can also cut the broccoli into large florets. Since the umbrella-shaped buds of broccoli are easy to break, the correct way to cut them is to cut from the stem, cut in the direction of the buds, and then tear them apart from the knife edge. This can prevent more buds from breaking. The reason for cutting into large pieces for soaking instead of small pieces is mainly to prevent more nutrients from being lost through the cuts.

3. Soak the broccoli in salt water for 5 to 10 minutes, and no longer than 30 minutes, because the longer the soaking time, the more nutrients will be lost. After soaking, take out the broccoli and rinse it with clean water. Then cut it into small florets with scissors, or break it into small florets with your hands. Don't cut it with a knife, otherwise many of the flower buds will break.

Step 2: Blanch in boiling water

Add a pot of water and appropriate amount of salt, bring to a boil, put the broccoli processed in the first step into the boiling water and blanch it for about 10 seconds, immediately put it into cold water and soak it until the broccoli is completely cooled, take it out and drain the water, then you can use it to make dishes.

Blanching in boiling water is also an essential step in cleaning broccoli. Blanching can not only thoroughly remove residual dirt, but also make the broccoli easier to absorb the flavor.

When we rinse broccoli with clean water, we will find that the clean water only flows directly on the surface of the broccoli and does not penetrate into the inside of the broccoli. This is because there is a waxy film on the surface of the broccoli. Blanching in boiling water can remove this waxy film, making the broccoli easier to taste.

The reason why salt is added to the water when blanching broccoli is because salt can protect the chlorophyll in the broccoli, and it also helps remove the waxy film, making the color of the broccoli look more green and lovely. The time for blanching broccoli is also critical. Try to control it within about 10 seconds, and then quickly put it into cold water to cool it down. This is mainly to keep the broccoli crispy.