Broccoli Processing

[Meadowlark]

When a family that loves fresh broccoli cancelled out on us for their Christmas visit, I was left with a surplus of broccoli. What to do?

No problem: Process it into freezer bags.

Step 1: Harvest it.

Ideally, this should happen before the yellow flowerets begin to show in the heads.

I had scheduled these 8 heads averaging about a pound each to be ready for the company just before Christmas.

Step 2: After cleaning, par boil (or steam) for 2-3 minutes

This step kills any bad stuff and drastically slows the loss of taste. I actually steam the broccoli rather than boil it as IMO it retains flavor better.

Step 3: Soak in ice cold water bath (two or three minutes)

This step stops the “cooking” from the par boil/steam almost instantly.

Step 4: Remove from cold bath, dry, and place on freezer trays for “flash freezing (2 to 3 hours)

I like to use parchment paper to place the pieces on for quick freezing.

This enables a quick freeze and ability to store the individual pieces without sticking together in one big mess.

Step 5 : Put in freezer bags and place in freezer.

 

[Tetters]

Well, pushing aside my envy at your crop, with difficulty, I would have to say that I always blanch and freeze broccoli in exactly the same way. Steaming is so much easier. The resulting water left behind is super for adding to stews, soups or curries.
If however there is a shortage of space in the freezers, prepared broccoli, as well as most other veggies, can be dehydrated very well after the blanching process, and take up very little comparative space in the pantry.

 

[YumYum]

Looking good. I just cut mine off and then submerge them in water to force any worms or bugs up. Drain and freeze. This time after a freeze that isn't necessary. The freeze does seem to make brassicas taste a litte better for whatever reason.

 

[Tetters]

Looking good. I just cut mine off and then submerge them in water to force any worms or bugs up. Drain and freeze. This time after a freeze that isn't necessary. The freeze does seem to make brassicas taste a litte better for whatever reason.

A good quick way without blanching, but not so if they are to be stored longer term

 

[PGB1]

Thanks for the very helpful step-by-step, Meadowlark!

Here's a broccoli cleaning hint you all may enjoy trying: Or at least get a chuckle about...
My mother lived by this broccoli rule: "Lavare nove volte!"- Wash 9 Times!

After piking or buying, she would have us kids fill large pots with water, dunk and swish the broccoli. Then go to the next pot, etc. It was amazing how many insects and dirt bits floated up even in the 9th pot!