Frequent question: How do you cook broccoli in boiling water?

Chop the broccoli into florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and boil them for 2 ½ to 3 minutes until bright green and crisp tender, taste testing often (basically, don’t leave the pot!). Once they’re cooked, drain into a colander.

Why is boiling not a good way to cook broccoli?

It turns out, the nutritional damage from boiling goes deeper than just water-soluble vitamins: It hinders the body’s ability to absorb a class of compounds called glucosinolates, which a growing body of scientific research suggests could play a role in reducing the risk of lung and colorectal cancer.

Do you cut broccoli before boiling?

Typically, the compound in the vegetable can be destroyed just right after minutes of cooking. … “Our results suggest that after cutting broccoli florets into small pieces, they should be left for about 90 minutes before cooking,” the researchers concluded.

What is the healthiest way to cook broccoli?

Cooking (Or Not Cooking) Broccoli To Protect Its Nutritional Riches : The Salt Cooking broccoli too long destroys the beneficial enzyme that breaks down chemicals into cancer fighters. The best way to eat it is raw or steamed for just two to three minutes, a nutrition expert says.

Does boiling broccoli take out the nutrients?

In fact, boiling reduces vitamin C content more than any other cooking method. Broccoli, spinach, and lettuce may lose up to 50% or more of their vitamin C when boiled ( 4 , 5). Because vitamin C is water-soluble and sensitive to heat, it can leach out of vegetables when they’re immersed in hot water.

Is it better to boil or steam broccoli?

The heat of the steam cooks the vegetables, and they are spared from the boiling water. … No matter how you cook vegetables you’re likely to lose some nutrients. Although other nutrients may be released when cooking. Take in consideration that steaming uses less energy and water and does the least damage to nutrients.

Can you drink boiled broccoli water?

Some of them are reduced more than 60% by microwaving or boiling. But consuming the water they were cooked in will help you regain some of the nutrients. For the brassicas , including broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, and collards, heating gently, as in steaming, is least injurious to their nutrients.

How do you cook broccoli without getting soggy?

2 Cook the broccoli florets and stalk pieces in lots of salted boiling water for 3-5 minutes. They should be a little soft, but remember they are going to be cooked again, so not too soggy. Drain and set to one side ensuring they are in a well aerated place so that the steam coming off them dries them out a bit.

How do you keep broccoli crispy?

Toss the broccoli florets and stems with a few teaspoons of oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Spread the broccoli on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the broccoli is crunchy and you can see deep caramelized brown spots. Serve immediately.