Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family and is known for its many health benefits, common to most cruciferous vegetables. It can be cooked in a wide variety of ways, but the most common is steaming. This is also the method that retains the most nutrients. Broccoli is very high in vitamins A, C, and K and is also fiber-rich while remaining a low-calorie option.

​Many studies have also suggested that broccoli can help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. There is also evidence in some studies of anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as vitamins that promote healthy hair, skin, and nails, provide increased energy, and help maintain a healthy body weight.

See below for recipes and instructions on how to freeze broccoli!

                      How to Preserve Broccoli

Broccoli is both healthy and delicious, and preserving it through the winter is a great way to have it available year-round. Freezing broccoli is super quick and easy. Here’s how:

1. Choose the best broccoli to freeze. Heads with small, tight florets freeze best. When you buy broccoli to freeze, be sure to do so right away. The longer it sits in your refrigerator, the more likely it is to wilt or soften, leading to mushy broccoli when you thaw it. Resist the urge to procrastinate and get your broccoli frozen ASAP!
2. Separate heads into florets. Remove the stalk of the broccoli, and separate heads into florets that fit your needs. 1-3 inches is optimal (Tip: Smaller florets fit more compactly in your freezer bag, so some people prefer 1-1.5 inch florets).
3. Wash your broccoli. Wash your broccoli in cold water. Do so quickly to avoid nutrient loss. Remove from water and place on a tray to dry.
4. Blanch the broccoli. In batches of about 2 cups, lower broccoli into salted, boiling water and blanch for two minutes.  Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately dunk in an ice bath. Leave in ice for 2-3 minutes, or until it feels significantly cooler.
5. Remove and drain in colander. After the broccoli is cooled, drain it off in a colander. After most of the broccoli is drained, place it onto a dish towel to dry even more. You want your broccoli as dry as possible to freeze.
6. Package and freeze! When your broccoli is cool and dry, pack approximately 2 cups in each freezer bag. Gently squeeze the air out and date the bag. Get your broccoli in the freezer as soon as possible to ensure it is at its best when you thaw it.

Broccoli Chowder with Corn and Bacon

·         4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
·         1 medium onion, chopped
·         1/4 cup all-purpose flour
·         2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
·         1 large baking potato, peeled and diced
·         1 head broccoli (about 1 pound), cut into bite-size florets, stalks peeled and thinly sliced
·         1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels
·         1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
·         1 cup whole milk
·         Coarse salt and ground pepper
 
In a large pot, cook bacon over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Increase heat to medium. Cook onion, stirring, until it begins to soften, 6 to 8 minutes.
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Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Add broth and potato; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cook until potato is tender, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli, corn, thyme, and milk. Cook until broccoli is crisp-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with bacon.

Although Gazanias and Gomphrenas are commonly found in flower gardens, many people lack a familiarity with what they are and how to grow them. Both flowers are relatively low maintenance plants, which flourish in places with full sun and are tolerant of droughts. Likewise, they are both good for planting in containers as well as for groundcover.

Gazanias (sometimes referred to as “treasure flowers”) come in several species, differing primarily in color, and are known to attract birds. They typically bloom from Summer to Fall. Gazanias can be either annuals or perennials, depending upon the specific type.

Gomphrenas also come in numerous species and colors and attract butterflies. They typically bloom for the first time around June, and can continue to through the first frost. Gomphrenas grow to be around one to two feet tall by up to a foot wide. Gomphrenas are annuals.

​​Both of these plants are excellent additions to any flower garden due to their vibrancy and color. They are also ideal for people looking to attract birds or butterflies to their garden. Now is the perfect time to plant for a long blooming season, so be sure to buy soon. If you’re interested in adding either of these beautiful plants to your garden, we still have both available! 

​Below: Gomphrena (left) and Gazanias (right)