Broccoli Spears Vs Florets: Which Parts Of Broccoli Will You Want For Your Recipes?
When you think of broccoli, do you prefer using broccoli spears or florets for your dishes?
In this post, we are going to compare these two parts of broccoli and help you choose the winner for your next recipe.
Keep reading to learn more!
What is special about broccoli spears?
Broccoli spears are simply broccoli that has been cut into thin strips.
This means a broccoli spear includes two parts: the stalk and the floret.
This cut can be made at home by cutting the whole fresh broccoli, or you can also find packages of frozen broccoli spears in most grocery stores.
Broccoli spears have a balanced look that can make your kids enjoy eating.
They have the crunchy texture of the stem and the tender texture of the floret.
They can be cooked the same ways as broccoli is cooked, like steaming, grilling, stir-frying, or even eaten raw.
Broccoli spears are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
What is special about broccoli florets?
Broccoli florets are edible flowers that grow on the head of a broccoli plant.
They often come in small, bite-sized pieces with mostly the broccoli head and a short part of the stem to keep the flowering heads from falling apart.
Broccoli florets can be enjoyed uncooked as a healthy snack, or cooked in different ways like sauteing and roasting.
What are the differences between broccoli spears and broccoli florets?
The difference in the position of the cut causes other distinctions between broccoli spears and broccoli florets.
So here are some key features that set broccoli spears apart from the florets:
| Broccoli spears | Broccoli florets | |
| Position on the broccoli plant | Include both the stalk and the head | Only the flowering head of broccoli and a bit of the stem that is enough to keep the tiny florets together |
| Size | Longer but thinner | Larger and rounder |
| Texture | The stem is harder | Softer |
| Cooking time | Longer | Shorter |
What are the similarities between broccoli spears and broccoli florets?
Basically, broccoli spears and broccoli florets are not really different from each other.
They are two ways to cut and use broccoli, with many things in common, as mentioned below:
Broccoli spears and broccoli florets both come from the same plant
The first and most important similarity that decides other things in common between broccoli spears and florets is that they come from the same plant.
These are two different cuts of broccoli.
Broccoli spears include parts of the stalk and floret (the head of the broccoli), so they look like a little tree with a balanced look.
Broccoli spears and broccoli florets share the same flavor and nutritional value
As already mentioned, the spear and the floret are just two parts of the broccoli plant.
Broccoli spears even include the florets, so there is no wonder why they have the flavor of broccoli, which is bittersweet.
Moreover, they also share the same nutritional value.
Broccoli spears and broccoli florets are high in nutrients, such as vitamins C, vitamin K, zinc, thiamin, niacin, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, folate, magnesium, and riboflavin.
Therefore, either broccoli spears or broccoli florets will make your diet healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Broccoli spears and broccoli florets can be found fresh or frozen
The third thing in common between broccoli spears and broccoli florets is that they can be cut from the fresh whole broccoli, or they can also be found processed and kept frozen in store-bought packages.
So when you crave some broccoli, either broccoli spears or broccoli florets, it is quite easy to find them on the market.
Broccoli spears and broccoli florets are often used the same ways in cooking
Last but not least, broccoli spears and broccoli florets are typically used interchangeably in cooking.
This means you can use one to substitute for the other in any recipe.
Normally, these parts of broccoli can be steamed, boiled, roasted, or sauteed.
Which one is better?
| Product Comparison | 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Broccoli Florets, 10 Ounce | Organic Broccoli |
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Broccoli florets are actually parts of the broccoli spears.
So if you want different textures in your recipes, try broccoli spears because there are also the stem parts included.
Both have the same taste and nutritional value, so feel free to use either broccoli spears or broccoli florets the next time cooking to have delicious and healthy dishes to enjoy with your family.