Broccoli is a delicious and healthy vegetable that grows with large, flowering heads broken into sections.Dirt, pesticides, and even bugs should be removed before you cook or eat broccoli.If you want to remove cabbage worms from the broccoli, you can use a salt water solution.
Step 1: Take the broccoli out of the sink and put it in the cold water.
Put a plug in the sink to stop the water from going down the drain.Make sure the broccoli is completely submerged.Leave the broccoli in the water to absorb the dirt and debris.When you put the broccoli in the water, swirl it around to loosen any larger pieces of dirt.The broccoli can get a bit tender if you use warm water.If you don't have a sink, you can use a large bowl.The broccoli needs to be submerged under the water.
Step 2: Put the broccoli in a strainer and run it under water.
Turn on the cold water after soaking broccoli.The water should rinse the broccoli, then it should be turned over in a strainer to rinse both sides.If you don't have a strainer, you can just hold the broccoli in your hands and move it under the water.
Step 3: Rub the vegetable with your hands to remove dirt.
Dirt can become trapped in cracks and crevices in the head of your broccoli.Rub the sides and bottoms of the stalks with your fingers to loosen them.If you have a bristle brush for cleaning fruits and vegetables, you can use it to clean broccoli, but remember to be careful when brushing the florets.They can break off of the stalks.
Step 4: It's a good idea to shake the broccoli dry.
Take the broccoli out of the sink and let the water trickle off of it.If the broccoli is still wet, you can pat it dry with a paper towel or cloth.
Step 5: A mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar should be put in a large bowl.
Make sure the bowl is large enough to hold the broccoli and then stir the mixture with a spoon.To make sure the broccoli is completely submerged, be sure to include enough water.If you put 3 cups of water into the bowl, then you would add 1 cup of white vinegar.
Step 6: The broccoli should be placed in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
If you want to loosen any larger debris, swirl the broccoli around the bowl a few times.You can prepare other parts of your meal while it is soaking.A cold water bath can be more effective at removing pesticides than a vinegar bath.
Step 7: Remove the broccoli from the solution and rinse it.
Rub the stalks and florets with your hands or a bristle brush as you rinse.The broccoli should be washed, including the bottom of the stalks and underneath the florets.If you soak the broccoli for more than 30 minutes, it will absorb the vinegar and give it a bitter taste.
Step 8: The broccoli should be placed in a container of cold water.
You may be concerned about worms in the broccoli if you grow it yourself.The florets should be soaked in a brine solution.There are lots of places to hide for worms in the florets.If you are worried about worms in the stalks, place the entire stalks into the water, but keep the florets facing down.
Step 9: Salt is added for every US quart of cold water.
After you add the broccoli, swirl the head around in the water to mix the salt into it.The worms will be loosened from their hiding places and may be removed immediately.Continue the soaking process if you don't see any worms when you move the broccoli.
Step 10: The broccoli should be soaked for 30 minutes to drive out the worms.
The worms in the broccoli are going to float to the top of the cold water.Scoop them out with a sieve or a spoon.You don't have to remove the worms from the water, but it can prevent them from re-attaching to the stalks before you do.
Step 11: The florets should be washed in cold water.
The broccoli might have some salt stuck to it after soaking in salt water.If you want to rinse both sides, hold the head under cold water for 15 seconds.While you rinse the head, you can clean the broccoli by scrubbing it with a brush or your fingers.
Step 12: Place the broccoli in a container and shake it.
To get rid of any remaining worms, hold the broccoli upside-down over the sink and tap the bottom of the stalks.Use a clean towel to soak up any excess water.You can either cut and cook the broccoli or serve it immediately.