What I Learned About Broccoli Leaves {and also irrigation systems}



Bolted spinach and downed broccoli.

Today I had an adventure in the garden.  Irrigation hoses.  I had laid them on a previous visit and then another gardener changed them around.  Today I went out with the intention of actually using the irrigation system.  It was a 3+ hour ordeal that I wish never to repeat and it all but turned me off to irrigation hoses...anyways - onward we go...

When I arrived, I was heartbroken to see that whoever was out rearranging irrigation hoses knocked over one of my four broccoli plants. L   That is a 25% decrease in my potential broccoli yield.  Bummer!!!  However, in the light of this event a conversation I had with my mom last week came to mind.  It went something like this:

Me:  So all of these leaves just go to waste (talking about broccoli)?

Mom:  Yes.

Me:  I think that I might try to eat them.

Mom:  Are you sure you can do that?

Me:  Why not?  They look like something you could eat.

Mom:  I don’t know.

Me:  I don’t see why not.

What a fortuitous conversation – or perhaps it was just fortuitous that the conversation was so recent and I hadn’t had time to forget it yet….

I had already planned on using those bright beautiful leaves for something.  Now here was my chance.  Nothing goes to waste here.

By the way, my adventures in gardening have taught me that kale and broccoli are prone to the same ailments and insect infestations.  They are both from the Brassica family.  Further research showed me that broccoli leaves are super versatile – salads, steamed, or used instead of cabbage for rolls.

Freshly washed broccoli leaves.

But I had something else in mind.

Smoothies.

As soon as I laid eyes on them, I knew that I wanted to use them in a smoothie…a lovely green concoction.

And so I did.

Don't throw out those broccoli leaves!

I added more fruit than I normally would have because I will admit I was a little nervous.

But I should not have fretted.  The taste of broccoli leaves is WONDERFUL.  They taste very similar to kale.  Eli actually took four servings of the smoothie.  So I urge you, if you unfortunately get a downed broccoli plant – do not despair.  And when you harvest your broccoli, think of all of the additional yumminess that you can add to your harvest by taking the leaves, too! 

Four servings for this guy!

Have a yummy evening!!

Cheers!