Broccoli is a weekly favorite in my family; we easily consume 1-3 lbs. per week, and there are only 2 of us! I roast it, stir-fry it, and quickly steam it for an easy side dish. We offer it almost every week in our Talley Farms Boxes.
California produces 89% of the broccoli grown in the United States, with our southern coastal counties growing 20%. With our cool but mild coastal temperatures, Santa Maria is well- suited for growing broccoli year-round. This means that our Talley Boxes offer super-fresh broccoli.
Broccoli grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 65°F. However, during periods of colder weather, broccoli plants start to produce red and yellow chlorophylls because they require less energy to make these pigments. These chlorophylls are what give the plants their purple cast. Quality, freshness, and taste are not affected by “purpling” which will fade while cooking, leaving the broccoli bright green and with no impact on food safety or flavor.
Broccoli is highly nutritious, rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Some of my favorite broccoli recipes include: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli, Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan Cheese, and my own family’s recipe: Ruth’s Pasta Broccoli Dish, named after my mother’s best friend, who came west with her after World War II.
