Doug Kanter wrote:
> "Sheldon" wrote:
>
> > to extend the cold storage life of the crowns the stems are removed.
>
> This is a gardening question, asked with the utmost sincerity: Why should
> removing the stalks improve storage life?

Has to do with sex, reproduction.

The broccoli crown contains/is the broccoli flower... with most plants
the flower is the first part to fade when the plant is stressed, as in
pluked from the ground.

If you've ever seen broccoli past its prime in the field you'd notice
the first part to deteriorate is the top portion, those thick stems
tend to re-absorb the moisture from the crowns (this is true of most
plants, anyone who's looked at plants during a drought has seen how
they droop). Broccoli also tends to further mature after harvesting,
if left on the thick stems the plant will be more apt to bolt, it's
flowers will open. I'm sure most folks have seen broccoli at the
market that has begun to bolt, there will be a tinge of yellow at the
very tops, those little buds are beginning to open. Bolted broccoli is
not very attractive nor is it's texture very desirable, kinda like
eating straw. Of course even after trimming away the stems broccoli
will still rot anyway, but trimming gives it another week or two before
no one will buy it... naturally then you are buying mostly fiber, most
of the vitamin content has evaporated, and much of the minerals were
reabsorbed into the stems before they were trimmed away and discarded.
Before buying those relatively costly crowns consider buying frozen,
you will save money and have a far more nutritious product.