Save by saving your broccoli stems.
If you’re guilty of chopping off broccoli florets and biffing the stem into the compost bin or waste disposal, you’re not alone.
Most of us don’t stop to think that these stalks can also be a nutritious, and tasty, addition to our diet and meals.
According to the 5+ a day Charitable Trust – a whopping 282 tons of broccoli steams are thrown out by Kiwis each year.
“It might come as a surprise, but broccoli stalks are edible, and they taste great. A third of us (37 per cent) are throwing them away! It’s such a waste,” says Richard Burke, CEO of LeaderBrand.
“Eating every part of the vegetable that you’ve bought makes financial sense. Why not try maximising every inch of this nutrition powerhouse to make meals go further. It tastes great, adds texture to your meal, plus, you’ll also be helping the environment.”
Using broccoli stalks can help to get more for your money and there are plenty of healthy dishes that they can be incorporated into.
Click here for some recipes to help incorporate broccoli stalks into your diet, including lemon chicken with autumn slaw & creamy parsnip mash, loaded roast kūmara with veggie-ful mince, and super greens soup with smoky toast triangles.
There are also many health benefits to eating them says 5+ A Day Trustee Dr Carolyn Lister.
“The stems and the florets provide valuable nutrients such as vitamin C, which supports immunity, and folate which helps the body form red blood cells, plus they’re a great source of dietary fibre which keeps you feeling full for longer,” says Lister.
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust was established to try to help people increase the number of fruits and vegetables they eat to help keep New Zealanders healthy.
They recommend Kiwis eat five or more servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit every day.
According to the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust it can improve your immunity, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, promote healthy skin, and allow growth and development in tamariki.
Saving and using your broccoli stems is one easy way to add a health boost to your next meal.
