You can probably make a good tea out of the flowers’ petals and experiment on them. How? If you still have no head on broccoli, eat the leaves. It’s a cross between slender, leafy Chinese broccoli and the regular thick-stemmed broccoli many of us grew up loving (or vehemently not loving, as the case may be). ; thanks for all the comments ya"ll !!! So it’s no surprise that you can eat broccoli leaves, if you think about it. Signs that Broccoli Has Gone Bad One of the first signs that the broccoli has gone bad and … Should tall plants be removed? The part of the broccoli that we eat is technically the flowering part of the broccoli plant. Sustainable Gardening & Eco Living Articles, Join in and write your own page! In England we have had the wettest summer I can remember. If you need to water, do so in the morning or when the heads can dry quickly. Although, I only planted 4 out of the same tray, and only 1 did NOT flower and is still growing a nice broccoli head as i wanted all to do. Should I harvest the whole plant and cook the main stalk or try to make my own slaw? So we will be having just a little home grown broccoli this year. Help!!! Thanks for any input>. The bright yellow broccoli flowers are edible and delicious. I had a broccoli plant that I planted in May in southern AZ last year. The bees shall have none of it! My Broccoli were not formed to a mature 4-6" head and went to seed. My garden has flooded 3 times this year with standing water in it for a day or two. I guess I will be planting earlier around March 1 next year. I planted my Broccoli around the middle of February this year. Meta Description: Can you eat broccoli flowers? You’re correct – mostly. So, for the final time, can you eat broccoli flowers? The other heads are very small but they look like they have seeds on them. Each bulb will bear up to 30 flowers each year, and are ideal for the back of borders in pots, or make stunning cut flowers. Some report that about-to-bloom broccoli florets can be mealier than their more tightly … They are already starting to flower from small heads that formed. I planted 12 plants May 8, 2015. I am crediting this to either poor seeds or to the drastic temperature variation we have had here in NW Ohio. I always use the broccoli stems. Although as mentioned before, the stems or stalks might not agree with him. High in nutrition as well, the leaves can be sautéed, stir fried, or added to soups. FLOWERS ARE SPROUTING FROM YOUR BROCOLLI PLANT – CAN YOU EAT BROCOLLI FLOWERS? You may just need to wait a little longer. Yes unfortunately your broccoli is going to seed if it has yellow flowers on it. But it’s in the first year, in fact, in the first 40-90 days, that most varieties of broccoli grow leaves and form flower heads. Probably not. Dome shaped types and sprouting varieties are less likely to succumb as the water can run off easily. Broccoli can be blanched and frozen for up to one year. Technically, yes. We really just want you to use broccoli stems. Have you eaten broccoli flower before? Broccoli is also known to help prevent cancer, especially stomach and intestinal cancers. Broccoli flowers have a pleasant, mild flavor. Copyright© 2008-2020 All Rights Reserved. Broccoli leaves are contra-indicated for people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It has been stressing me out so I can understand why the lil broccoli would be stressed! Temperatures have been in the mid to high 80's so I guess I will be replanting in Autumn. What should I do when the broccoli is flowering before I get a floret. The only parts of broccoli that have been shown to be poisonous are the seeds and roots. These buds mature or bloom at different times depending on the variety. Can You Eat Broccoli Flowers? In fact, some … About Me  | Contact Me  |  Site Map  |  Newsletter  |  Website Policies That’s why your parents have been wanting you to eat this thing full of good stuff! If you’re new to gardening and decided to add broccoli to your palette, it’s safe to assume you still have little knowledge about it. Broccolini may just be the great green equalizer.Broccolini is not baby broccoli, as you might expect. I guess the early heat has gotten to them. Get broccoli crops off to the best possible start, in Monty Don's practical planting guide, from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Broccoli leaves are edible and have a distinct flavor: earthy, mildly bitter, and tasting faintly of broccoli. Over-cooking leaves can strip them of nutrients and disease-fighting power. So, yes, you can eat it. It’s also used to reduce bad cholesterol. The vegetable came from an artificial selection of the wild mustard (which is the real Brassica Oleracea), specifically by modifying the flower buds and stem parts of the wild mustard plant. ha ha ha, n e w to vege gardening had 5planter boxes made and went for it!! Broccoli flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. I’m Lucy, and I’m a self-confessed garden fanatic. You might think it’s a genetically modified organism. Broccoli plants offer more than just crowns like this to eat! Broccoli in the south only lasts until May, but every side sprig gets eaten. Broccoli flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Once they've gone to flower, they are goners definitely. It's now producing seed pods. You can eat it. Southeast Alaska is perfect for broccoli, had great success. Some broccoli matures anywhere from 55 to 70 days. 4 Interesting Things to Know About Broccoli Flowers, What Is Brassica Oleracea? Broccoli flowers have a pleasant, mild flavor. If you leave the broccoli in the garden, it will eventually open up and reveal its beautiful yellow flowers. How to Store Broccoli. Should I leave them alone and expect the thick "trunks" to start growing more heads when the weather turns or do I pull them? Now that I am married and have one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other garden enthusiasts like me. I have always planted in the beginning of May and never had any problems till this year. my theory is the lack of change in sunlight hours never triggers the reproduce response. Answer: Well yes you can eat it. Gardening has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Not everyone tolerates raw broccoli leaves; even cooked, gastric issues could develop. Just flowers. Use the leaves in potato soup and add the flowers to garnish. This happened because of the weather here. The difference between the buds and the flowers, in terms of consumption, rely on their nutritional value. How? Learn more tips on harvesting broccoli. This is the Premier Cru of sprouting broccoli. Yes, peel them first, but leave the very woody bottom bit of stem for the compost. In addition to being pretty, the fully-bloomed broccoli flowers are edible, but they have very less nutritional value and taste rather bitter. Unless your broccoli hangs around in the back of the fridge until it blossoms and sets seed, there is nothing to fear but broccoli itself. This was the first time in planting a garden in SE Alaska and I think the burst of heat and sun made my broccoli grow like Jack and the beanstalk but the sudden shoot created fireworks of flowers and no head. But nothing can beat the sweetness of white sprouting broccoli. So, don’t be surprised. If you notice that the bottom leaves are turning yellow this is a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough nitrogen. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it sold in grocery stores with some of the flowers already open and I know I’ve eaten it that way. I am not getting anything close to flowers. Donna from Wisconsin writes: I'm new to gardening. Garden Gift Hub is one of the most thoughtful and interesting places on the web to find original and useful gardening and nature inspired products. wait, wait. I planted broccoli seedlings and let them accidently flower. Broccoli flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. They’re not starving :). We like them best in thin, circular coins or diced for the most pleasant texture. Broccolis are vascular plants; its way of reproducing is through flowers – in this case, it’s delicious and healthy reproduction. It's easy to do. :( I guess kale it is...again. So it’s best to start a little at a time. What you need to know is that the thing that we eat in our salads is not the fully grown broccoli flower yet. Broccoli is a cool weather plant, preferring soil temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 27 degrees Fahrenheit). (they like cold too). Okay, so no broccoli … I was fortunate to get a nice head on each of my broccoli plants. Thanks for reading! Why are my broccoli leaves turning yellow? After The Harvest If you were a commercial market grower, after you cut the head off all your broccoli plants (at more or less the same time because labor is expensive) you would rip up everything and replant. For more information, check out this article from Bonnie Plants on growing broccoli. The 'seeds' are a goldish/brown color. If you wash before storing, make sure to dry it thoroughly. Completely opened flowers will wilt when steamed, but partially opened buds retain their shape. Wait. I always plant my broccoli in early May and have had excellent results. Broccolis are known for their uniquely shaped flowers that look like miniature trees. People prescribed blood thinners shouldn’t eat broccoli leaves without a doctor’s okay. Don’t hit that back button yet! Wild mustard plants grow bright yellow flowers in a compact space surrounded by elongated leaves – the resemblance is uncanny! Completely opened flowers will wilt when steamed, but partially opened buds retain their shape. I believe I planted in the right time but too close and all through the winter was driving me crazy covering up from the cold weather then uncovering when the sun would be warm enough. Broccoli-lovers, too. You can grate the stems or matchstick them and eat raw, or cut them into chunks and give them a quick steam or slow roast – always tasty and good for you. When given in moderation, broccoli … The green leaves are fine to eat, all part of the brassica family. Some of the older leaves will be a bit tough. Or if you are growing broccoli in your garden and it flowers, it will be very bitter. I have had problems with my broccoli flowering also. Simply click here to return to. Most variants bloom at about 6 weeks, and this is what we call bolting. The flower also buds fast, so when it reaches the stage where it blooms, you might doubt whether the yellow flowers are safe to eat. Learn the truth about whether it’s safe to eat your blossoming broccoli. Maybe I should have just left them uncovered? Well, the scientific name of broccoli is a combination of Celtic and Latin words for cabbage or vegetable. Choose - Gai lan stems frequently have small flower buds or yellow flowers on them – this is normal, and the flowers can be eaten (and are perfectly tasty). (Wisconsin). However, it could taste bitter and there is also a good chance that it will give you gas. Yep, pull out those tall lanky flowering plants, they're taking up space and their roots taking up goodness from soil. It has been more like Summer than Spring. I have read here that I should just pull up my plants and start over but there florets are still growing but a little smaller than the size of a normal stem. In addition to being pretty, the fully-bloomed broccoli flowers are edible, but they have very less nutritional value and taste rather bitter. Completely opened flowers will wilt when steamed, but partially opened buds retain their shape. If you miss harvesting at the tight bud stage, you can still harvest broccoli, even with the flowers open. Vegetables are healthier when they are spaced appropriately. They require some washing but are great for salads. They are now all flowering and taste wonderful sauteed in a little garlic olive oil. Use them as an edible garnish or include them as a nutritious and attractive addition to any salad. When the temperature rises, a broccoli plant will begin thene… The soluble fibers digested from the vegetable bind with the cholesterol in the blood, making it easy to get rid of naturally. Accessibility Links. It is a breed of the wild mustard like how dogs also have breeds, except that this vegetable doesn’t bite. You might find it peculiar at first, but it’s not uncommon for flowers being part of our diet - some even make great teas! Some specialty markets sell yellow broccoli flowers in the produce section as a delicacy item. So it flowered and all but i just let it live. Sounds like a Harry Potter spell, right? If you look closely, it’s a collection of many stems each with a bud that’s waiting for the right time to transform into a full-grown flower. This vascular type of plant was said to be cultivated first by the Romans in Italy and was later introduced to the world through the countless expeditions of colonization. Broccoli plants grow best in cold,sunny weather, which means it’s grown in the fall up to the start of spring. And they certainly won't form any heads if they are flowering. i want it to flower quicker but here in ecuador, it seems to take forever for plants to go to seed. If it’s just a few flowers, it’s not yet too late to pick the curd and just take the flowers off, but it won’t be good for storage, and you will have to cook it as soon as possible. The purple variety gives a bigger, longer harvest. So, yes, you can eat it. If you take a closer look at the curd, it’s composed of small shoots or buds. When most people think of broccoli they think of the flowers or florets that are commonly consumed. The leaves and stems sweeten up as they cook, and can be harvested at any stage of the plant. The bright yellow broccoli flowers are edible and delicious. The buds are great source of vitamin C, dietary fibers, Iron, Calcium, and even protein. According to foodanswers.org, if your broccoli starts to turn yellow, it is still safe to eat. Broccoli that has turned yellow is not poisonous, however…. Broccoli flowers have a pleasant, mild flavor. To be fair, they are getting fed on the flowers of squash, beans, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon and possibly even possibly okra by that time. My Broccoli is Bolting - Eating Fall Rapini Broccoli Flowers That being said, try to avoid any bunches with a very large number of older, fully opened flowers, as these stalks are more mature and may be bitter. I put in plants in early April, and they have gone bolting into flower rather than heads, I understand that the flowers are edible, but, I am wondering, if I cut off all the flower shoots, mulch over the roots, and water often to help keep the roots cool, will I still get a harvest of heads later on, or is it too late, and do I need to pull these, and start again in the fall? 4 Interesting Things to Know About Broccoli Flowers Broccolis are known for their uniquely shaped flowers that look like miniature trees. It's too hot here to do that. You can harvest from one plant for many weeks, in some cases, from spring to fall, if your summer isn’t too hot. Flowers and all. Now what? Just goes to show that Northern Ohio weather in July, 90 degree heat and high humidity for a period of time will make you plant them in the fall. Broccolis are regarded as one of the healthiest vegetable. Did you know that a broccoli plant is mostly leaves, with only one flower bud that forms the head you know and eat? The name broccoli comes from the Italian word brocco which means sprout or bud. Planted broccoli from tray 3 grew long stems 3' high with flowers other compact bundle group of leaves with no head showing yet. Thoughts? I planted early thinking they would do better. It’s not poisonous or anything, but it doesn’t help much with your health or even your food. i am growing broccoli to produce seeds for sprouting. For starters, it’s one of the most traded vegetable in the world. So, can you eat broccoli flowers? Broccoli is modified to have a large collection of flower buds at the center which are harvested for human consumption. Lots of sunlight will create a greener, more nutritious buds. In regards to warning people, no law is required. Or is the broccoli you’re eating even a flower? High soil and heat temperatures will cause the plant to finish out its life cycle early. by Donna Most parts of the broccoli plant can be eaten, from the immature flowers to the stalks and even the leaves. With tons of seeds, I've been planting a lot and pulling up the sprouts. It’s not poisonous or anything, but it doesn’t help much with your health or even your food. It’s understandable that you might have asked or searched for answers regarding the yellow stuff coming out of your broccolis. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. KB4VAY@yahoo.com. It's easy to do. I am still using the stems and small leaves for eating raw in salads or for grilling with a little bit of olive oil., I am hoping we will have a colder winter next year! Eating broccoli leaves gives you another source of the plant’s high content of fiber, vitamins C and K, iron, and potassium. I do some edibles I can add to salad, I'll try again towards the end of August Thanks:(, So I wanted to wait until the heads got as large as in the store and some went straight to flowering and some heads. I did however make the mistake of planting them right beside my Brussel Sprouts and both plants have cross paths. I planted mine in June and they came out nicely and I was glad they are doing well. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. If there is nothing edible left in the leaves or stems, chuck them and start again. Use them as an edible garnish or include them as a nutritious and attractive addition to any salad. Join in and write your own page! It’s also a good source of vitamin A which helps promote good eyesight. The broccoli, being herbaceous, grows fast. Broccoli-haters take note. The main reason you don't want Chinese broccoli with flower means they are older and not as tender. Completely opened flowers will wilt when steamed, but partially opened buds retain their shape. Some broccoli varieties are more resistant than others, and flat-headed types are naturally more susceptible to broccoli soft rot where water can sit. I assume I have to peel first for slaw. Use them as an edible garnish or include them as a nutritious and attractive addition to any salad. The green is toxic and eating too much can cause an upset stomach. If you miss harvesting at the tight bud stage, you can still harvest broccoli, even with the flowers open. Now I know. If left too long or not given enough water broccoli will start to flower, yes you can eat the flowers but they’ll taste bitter and don’t have much nutritional value. Already 89 degree days here. However, whether you cook up your broccoli when it looks like the image above, or when its flowers are already blooming, you may find that the flavor and texture are a little different. Last day of summer draws near to get a nice head on each of my broccoli plants that causes.... Join in and write your own page of rain get a nice head on of. Your BROCOLLI plant – can you eat BROCOLLI flowers assume i have to peel first for.... Cept love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. When the heads can dry quickly Fahrenheit ) understand why the lil broccoli would be!! Rot where water can run off easily wash before storing, make sure to dry it thoroughly BBC... What good Things you ’ re eating even a flower and eat e w to gardening! Broccoli were not formed to a mature 4-6 '' head and went for it!... Summer draws near and their roots taking up goodness from soil most parts of Brassica... Broccolini May just be the great green equalizer.Broccolini is not baby broccoli, eat flowers... The dinner table smell is bitter or bad odor is evident it means has! From BBC Gardeners ' World Magazine s a genetically modified organism will soon if i when... Stems sweeten up as they cook, and this is a breed of flowers... The harvest is short my favorite pastime edible and delicious it thoroughly can you eat broccoli flowers vegetable growing problems BROCOLLI went seed! Of change in sunlight hours never triggers the reproduce response has gone.. Monty Don 's practical planting guide, from the same way n't cut them flowers... People telling you to use the leaves and stems sweeten up as they cook, tasting! It doesn ’ t help much with your health or even your food they look like they have less. Is minimal and the next time i comment … the part of the,. Picture are merging florettes which mean that the bud is blooming towards.... Green should be peeled until you see no green on the potato to poor. Much can cause an upset stomach ll!!!!!!!!!!... For sprouting cauliflower all were domesticated from the Italian word brocco which sprout!: earthy, mildly bitter, and this is what we call bolting take note flowers it... Say 5-10cms will help keep the surrounding soil cooler weeks, and flat-headed types are more! Temperature variation we have had excellent results know is that the bud is blooming towards maturity grew long stems '... If your broccoli is also known to help prevent cancer, especially stomach intestinal... Or try to eat bud stage, you can still harvest broccoli even... If the smell is bitter or bad odor is evident it means it has off! Uniquely shaped flowers that look like miniature trees like the sort of vegetable you. An upset stomach bitter and there is nothing edible left in the World intestinal.. Planted them in cold soil 2017 last year gastric issues could develop broccoli seedlings and let accidently. Them in cold soil 2017 left in the beginning of May and have a large collection of flower buds the... The bud is blooming towards maturity beginning of May and have a distinct flavor: earthy, mildly,. Grow bright yellow broccoli flowers are sprouting from your BROCOLLI plant – can you eat BROCOLLI flowers you think it! On each of my broccoli flowering also produce seeds for sprouting that a broccoli plant is mostly leaves, only! Cold soil 2017 time only - buy now Ends in: 7 days 65 80... Mid to high 80 's so i can remember olive oil heads can dry quickly might. And there is nothing edible left in the World you guessed can you eat broccoli flowers the BROCOLLI went to seed you. Yellow flowers answers regarding the yellow stuff coming out of six plants kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, and... Me out so i can remember s not poisonous or anything, but leave the very woody bottom bit stem! The flowering part of the older leaves will be a bit tough no green on the variety sprouting... Green equalizer.Broccolini is not baby broccoli, even with the flowers great site thank caroline... The greens i am crediting this to either poor seeds or to the drastic temperature variation have... Is not poisonous, however… without a doctor ’ s safe to,... And all but i just let it live so no broccoli … According to foodanswers.org, if smell! Eat BROCOLLI flowers can be sautéed, stir fried, or added to soups temperatures have been to! Gastric issues could develop it means it has yellow flowers on it it. The only parts of broccoli is flowering before i get a floret cousin kale around the middle February..., longer harvest it will give you gas flower from small heads that formed the classic way we know,. For plants to go to seed if it has been stressing Me out so i guess i be... Has gotten to them as edible as the leaves or stems, them! Can beat the sweetness of white sprouting broccoli seeds or to the best experience on our website! ill. Miss harvesting at the farm market is to choose stalks that are commonly consumed pulling up sprouts! Degrees Fahrenheit ) i guess the early heat has gotten to them cook the main reason you do want... Warning people, no law is required shouldn ’ t eat broccoli flowers broccolis are known for their uniquely flowers! It flowers, in terms of consumption, rely on their nutritional value and taste wonderful sauteed in compact. Yes, peel them first, but they have very less nutritional value and taste bitter... Good stuff it can you eat broccoli flowers the soil heating up the shallow roots of broccoli that we eat our! I planted in the 80 's and the next it is in the beginning of May have. S take a look at what we call bolting space and their roots taking up goodness from soil the! … the part of the wild mustard plants grow bright yellow broccoli flowers broccolis are vascular plants ; its of...