On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 12:10:19 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet
> wrote:

>In article .com>,
> "Sheldon" > wrote:
>
>> 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.
>>
>
>That's good advice...
>I'm trying to get my housemate to get away from so many fresh veggies
>and go more to the fresh frozen.
>
>One, they will keep better, and it makes portion control a LOT easier.

portion control.. what's that?
(what was that sig file someone here had? no more dinners for 4 unless
3 others were present?)

Chuck (in SC)