Several cooking methods will turn this much-maligned vegetable into a family favorite.

Fresh broccoli should keep for about a week in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

The crown should break into several large florets.

broccoli stalks with knife

Emily Laurae.

Cut through each floret to make uniform, bite-sized pieces.

Don’t toss the stem:The large stem of the broccoli is entirely edible.

The bottom inch of the stem is usually dry, so cut that off and discard it.

trimming broccoli stalks into florets

Credit: Emily Laurae

What Is the Healthiest Way to Cook Broccoli?

Blanched Broccoli

The easiest way to cook broccoli is to blanch it.

The broccoli florets will turn a vibrant shade of green and maintain a much-needed crunch.

washing broccoli florets

Credit: Emily Laurae

The lid traps the steam, which takes the broccoli from snappy to tender in a matter of minutes.

To ensure even baking, stir the broccoli halfway through its baking time.

How to roast broccoli:

cutting broccoli stems

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blanched broccoli in a spoon

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three pieces of broccoli side by side

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steamed broccoli

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broccoli sauteing in a pan

Credit: Emily Laurae

roasted broccoli on a baking pan

Credit: Emily Laurae