What Does Broccoli Taste Like?

Do you remember the veggie you hated most when you were a kid? There’s a good chance it was broccoli – a hated reputation this delicious vegetable most certainly does not deserve.

In fact, we’re here to dispel some rumors about its flavor. We’ll discuss what broccoli tastes like, so you can imagine the flavor if you’ve never been able to try it before. In the event you haven’t yet, maybe you’ll decide to take the plunge and try some yourself by the end of this post.

What Does Broccoli Taste Like?

Broccoli’s flavor can best be described as herbaceous and earthy. Like its bright green color, you could also easily describe the flavor as grassy, with just a hint of bitterness at the end.

Even if you find this flavor profile unappealing, broccoli is a versatile vegetable. There are tons of ways to cook it to change its crunchy texture and even its flavor.

We’ve compiled a list of spices that go with broccoli for those who want to find ways to improve the taste.

Can You Eat Raw Broccoli?

Wondering if you can nibble on a floret of broccoli as soon as you get back from the grocery store? We suggest that you wash it first, but other than that, you can indeed eat raw broccoli.

One of the problems with eating broccoli raw, though, is texture. Even if you cut the florets into small, manageable pieces, you’ll find that the stems they’re attached to are tough and fibrous. For some, the florets can also be unappealing to chew on due to their almost granular texture.

You can improve on raw broccoli’s flavor and texture by eating it with dips. Hummus and broccoli is a great combination, for instance.

Another aspect to be aware of is that broccoli, as a cruciferous vegetable, contains goitrogens. Eating large amounts of broccoli raw can affect thyroid function.

Related Article: The Benefits of Broccoli

What Does Broccoli Do to Your Body?

There’s a reason why your parents told you to always eat your vegetables, including broccoli. Broccoli can do amazing things for your body.

For one thing, it’s filled with nutrients. Some of those nutrients include things like protein, fiber, potassium, and various vitamins. 

Broccoli has also been shown to demonstrate slight anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, a study of broccoli consumption in smokers showed that the green veggie greatly reduced inflammation. 

What’s more, there is some research that indicates eating your broccoli can help protect you from various types of cancer, including kidney, bladder, and stomach cancers.

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Wrap Up

 Broccoli’s villainous reputation among children and a surprising number of adults might just be a culinary crime. It’s true that it can be bitter when eaten raw or prepared improperly, but the right recipes can turn it into one of your favorite vegetables. If you eat it raw, try it with a dab of hummus. On the other hand, if you’re cooking it, there’s a world of possibilities for you to try, like this drool-worthy garlic broccoli stir fry.