Nutritional valueCalled 'the king of vegetables', broccoli is an outstanding source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contains vitamins C and E, so it's one of the 'ACE' foods which combat cancer and heart disease. It has useful amounts of iron, potassium, several B vitamins and folic acid.
Using broccoli
In spring, look for purple or white sprouting broccoli - it's around only for a few weeks. Steam the spears lightly: when a knife-tip can pierce the stalks they're done. Even if only a little overcooked, broccoli loses its bright colour and has an unpleasant taste and smell, which also happens if it is kept warm for more than a minute or two. Children can enjoy the spears as finger food, perhaps dipped into melted butter or cheese sauce.
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