Broccoli was always one of the vegetables that got the most dinnertime drama when I was growing up. My mom would boil it (just), and my siblings and I would push it around our plates, trying to hide it under the potatoes.
Thankfully, I’ve learned to love it. The versatile veggie And cook it in ways my kids love. I usually just wash it under water and always wonder if that’s enough to clean it properly. Those tight little flowers seem to hide all sorts of things.
To satisfy my curiosity, I got in touch. Jennifer Palina nutritionist, food science expert, and award-winning creator of the eater Blog for the most effective ways to wash this cruciferous vegetable. What I discovered was surprising and comforting.
The best way to wash broccoli
Washing broccoli doesn’t have to be complicated. “Washing broccoli under running water can effectively reduce dirt, bacteria and some pesticide residues,” Palin assures. “Rinsing for a full minute is best… and soaking in warm water is even more effective,” she adds.
As a busy working mother of three, Pelian also understands the need for an easy and straightforward solution, so she recommends rinsing broccoli under running water for about a minute while going between the florets. So rub it quickly with your hands. “For me,” she says, “it’s more than enough from a cleaning time investment standpoint.”
How about baking soda and vinegar?
While plain water works well, some people prefer more harsh cleaning methods. Baking soda And Vinegar solutions Get to the top on social media. But do they actually do what they want to do?
Baking soda is effective but requires some extra effort, Palian says. If you want to take it a step further, she suggests mixing in “a teaspoon” of 1% baking soda. [of] baking soda with two cups of hot water.” Then, “Immerse the broccoli. [in it] and let it soak for 12 to 15 minutes” to remove more pesticide residue from the surface. Remember to rinse thoroughly before using.
When I asked Pillian if the extra step of baking soda was necessary, her answer was refreshingly honest. Ultimately, she sees the extra step as a barrier to achievement. coffee Fruits and vegetables And there’s concern that, for many, it could do more harm than good.
“My preference is to eat as many fruits and vegetables as I can than the extra cleansing I get from baking soda soaks,” she stresses. Also, “pesticide residues on food are closely monitored and are already within safe limits. First Taking extra cleaning steps,” she assures me.
“The FDA,” she continues,Finds that 97 percent of US food had pesticide residues below strict safety limits, while 47 percent showed No As a dietitian, she has no safety concerns and would never “stir fear where it doesn’t belong.” For him, the potential benefits simply don’t outweigh the effort involved.
How not to wash your broccoli
When it comes to cleaning your broccoli, there’s no catch: “Avoid washing any vegetable with soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes,” says Palin. “Not FDA approved. [of] They are safe for this use, and the soap itself can soak into the product and make you sick.”
After speaking with Palian, I feel much more confident about my simple and accessible broccoli washing routine. Her practical advice reminded me that we shouldn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good—especially when it comes to eating our vegetables.