There are few vegetables that reign supreme in a good health regimen like broccoli; it is a superfood with a multitude of health benefits, and it is important to know when to harvest it. Eating broccoli that is not ripe can be a huge disappointment — it can taste bitter and unappetizing. To ensure that you get the most out of the head of broccoli, it is important to know when it is ready to harvest.
Analyzing the Broccoli Head
The head of broccoli should be analyzed as it is anxiously awaiting its harvest. They typically come in big bunches that are rather tight tucked together. When it is ready to harvest, the heads should be visible and as such the tightness would have slightly loosened, making separating the different cuts easier without tearing them apart. If there is still tightness when holding the dozen cut heads, either the bunch is not ripe or they should be kept unattended.
The head of broccoli should also look fairly round and domed shaped, with florets popping out of the top to give it its unique form. In this stage, it look even more alluring than it did when you brought it home, so you should be ready to harvest. If it does not appear full yet, or has started to dome inward, it may still need a bit of time to ripen, and that is when it is the most delicious.
Color Matters
The color of the head of broccoli also plays a key role in the knowledge that it is ready for the harvest. As it ripens, the head will become darker green and the florets may acquire a purple or reddish hue. The natural brightness of the broccoli should attract your attention at the right time. A dull greyish brown hue or yellowing means that the broccoli is overripe.
Depending on the variety of broccoli, it can range from a deep emerald hue with bronze flecks, to a rich jade color with purple tones. Some even have a beautiful blend of these colors. Pay special attention to the color and texture of the florets; when the florets are ready, they should appear slightly soft and retain their color well.
Size Does Matter
Size is not only determined by the roundness of the head, but also the width. As it ripens, the head of broccoli will become bigger, while still keeping it density. The head should be about twice the size of an adult’s thumb when ready for harvest. That way, the proper size of the head can be obtained, while at the same time managing to deliver the best taste and texture.
If the head has reached its full size and the florets aren’t yet slightly soft, then you should wait until the florets become tender. In other words, petiteness and tenderness are things to look for as the broccoli starts to ripen.
Examining the Stems
Even though the florets are all you really see, examining the stems is an important step to determine the proper ripening time. As the broccoli continues to ripen, it is useful to look at the papery skin of the stems. As the papery skin will start to peel off, it is a telltale sign that the head has aged enough and is ready for harvest.
You should remove leaves and cut off stems and peel away paper-like skin on the stems if these parts do not look bright. That way, you can see the emerald hue of the stems and you will know that your head of broccoli is ready for the harvest.
Scent
The next indicator that the head may be ready is its scent. You may catch a faint smell coming from the heads if they are almost ready for harvest. Its smell should be pleasantly aromatic, where the sweet peppery or grassy scent that escapes the head might be the final indicator that the broccoli is ready to be harvested.
Timeliness is Essential
Harvesting broccoli sooner rather than later is the best thing to do, as its sugars can convert to starches if left too long. Although the ideal period of harvest is contingent on the type of broccoli you are growing, a surefire way to know if broccoli is ready for harvest is to take a look, feel, and smell of the head. When you observe that the head is slightly full and firm, that its color is rich, the florets are slightly soft and the stems are tender, you know it is ready for the harvest.
Growth Rate
Sometimes it is difficult to tell if your broccoli is ready for harvest. This is the case with many vegetables, which is why you should pay attention to the growth rate of your broccoli. The average growth rate for head-forming broccoli varieties is normally 40 to 50 days. The growth rate is an essential factor to consider when planning to harvest your broccoli, as it will let you know exactly when you should expect it to be fully mature.
Post-Harvest Care
Once your broccoli has been harvested, you should give it proper post-harvest care. You can trim the stem ends and remove excess foliage leaves or any dirt or debris. You should place your head of broccoli into a plastic bag, making sure air is kept out as much as possible. You can then store the broccoli head in the fridge for up to 5 days. A head can also be preserved in the freezer as frozen florets; all you need to do is blanch them for a few minutes before freezing as the blanching stops the enzymatic action that can result in discolored and off-flavored produce.
Additional Tips for Harvesting Broccoli
There are other tips to consider when determining if broccoli is ready for harvest. For instance, the tenderness of the stems also play an important factor; the stems should be firm, yet tender to the touch. The bigger the head, the sweeter it will normally be, and by cutting the stems away from the head you will be able to get a better look at the florets and stems.
Conclusion
By observing broccoli when it approaches maturity for harvest, one should look at its color, size, scent, head roundness, and firmness of the stem to make a proper determination. Broccoli should be harvested when the florets are slightly soft and the stem remains tender. Post-harvest care is also important, and one should keep in mind to store broccoli in a plastic bag or freeze it for maximum freshness.
