Broccoli

Broccoli is a common vegetable found in many kitchens across the world and is part of a family of plants known as crucifers. Broccoli is a healthy and tasty addition to any meal and, while it may seem straightforward to prepare it, there is a complex journey that the individual florets take before they reach our dinner plate.

In order to understand how broccoli is created and travels from the ground to our dinner plate, it is important to understand the processes which leads to it’s creation and some of the major players involved along its journey.

1. Planting

The lifecycle of a broccoli plant begins with a seed. Broccoli starts out as a small seed which is planted in nutrient-rich soil. Broccoli is usually planted in the spring and it can take between 8 to 10 weeks for the broccoli heads to mature and be ready for harvest.

When broccoli is planted, a carefully cultivated part of soil known as the seedbed is put aside. This area of soil is carefully tilled and amended with fertilizer to promote better growth. When planting broccoli seeds, it is important to make sure that there is an even distribution of soil so that the seeds get an optimal amount of light, water, and nutrients necessary for them to germinate and grow.

Some cultivators of broccoli have taken to using a system called the ‘raised bed’. The raised bed is a type of gardening method which is put into practice to cultivate vegetables in an area which can be insulated better than a traditional garden plot. This method promotes greater crop yields as well as protecting against pests, weeds, and other threats.

The most common type of broccoli grown today is known as the Calabrese variety. This particular variety is exceptionally resistant to cold temperatures and can be successfully grown in UK climates from late spring to late autumn. It is important to remember that the Calabrese variety can take up to 8-10 weeks from the day of planting to the day that it is harvested and ready for consumption.

2. Harvesting

Harvesting broccoli is a very precise and skilled process. In order for broccoli to keep its quality and freshness, it is important to ensure that the harvesting method is fast and efficient.

Broccoli plants are typically harvested by hand and each individual floret is removed with a knife or a special tool known as a ‘topping knife’. Once the heads are removed, they are placed into boxes which are then transferred to a refrigerated storage facility known as a coldroom. The coldroom preserves the quality and freshness of the broccoli while it is transported to the market.

3. Grading and Packaging

When the broccoli arrives at the packaging facility, it undergoes a process known as grading. This is done in order to categorize and label it.

The grading process is divided into three main categories: quality, size, and defect. Quality is determined by the color and general appearance of the broccoli florets, size is determined by the diameter of the florets, and defects refer to any discoloration, deformity, or disease on the floret. Once the broccoli is graded, it is then packaged for shipment.

Broccoli is often shipped in poly-lined cartons which are designed to help maintain freshness and minimize damage to the broccoli. In some cases, broccoli may also be shipped in foam boxes which are specially designed to control the temperature of the broccoli during transit.

4. Transportation

After the broccoli has been packaged and labeled, it is then ready to be transported to its destination. Broccoli is typically shipped via truck or train to a local market or grocery store. During its journey, the broccoli is kept at an optimal temperature in order to preserve its quality.

5. Purchasing

The last stage of the process takes place at the grocery store. Once at the store, the broccoli is stocked on the shelves and ready for customers to purchase. A customer should always remember to inspect the broccoli before purchase to make sure that the florets are not showing any signs of deterioration or discoloration.

6. Preparation

Once the broccoli reaches its final destination, i.e. the dinner plate, it is time for preparation. In order for the broccoli to be at its best, it should be cooked as soon as possible after purchase.

The best way to prepare broccoli is to blanch it. Blanching is a process which involves boiling the broccoli for a brief amount of time in order to quickly cook the broccoli while preserving its color and nutrients. After blanching, the broccoli can be served hot as part of a meal or steamed lightly and served cold.

7. Consumption

And finally, the last stage: consumption! Broccoli is a great nutritious addition to a variety of meals and can help people to eat a balanced diet. It is important to remember that much of the nutrition of broccoli is lost through over-cooking and so it is best to enjoy the broccoli when it is undercooked and still crisp.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a complex process involved in getting broccoli from the ground to your dinner plate. The careful planting, harvesting, and packaging of the broccoli ensures that it retains its freshness and quality while it makes its journey. After purchasing and preparing the broccoli, it is then time to enjoy the healthy and delicious taste of this cruciferous vegetable.