Tenderstem


Tenderstem® broccoli is the nutty, sweet, pre-prepped, no waste version of big brother broccoli and a perfect way to introduce kids to leafy greens!
Watch: The children of South Bersted school visit a Tenderstem® farm

Nutrition
Tenderstem® broccoli is a great source of a range of micronutrients including vitamins A, C, E and K, some of the B vitamins such as folic acid and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals are brilliant for supporting our immune system and bone health. Studies have linked the consumption of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli to heart health and due to its vitamin K and fibre content.

Shopping Guide
When shopping for Tenderstem® broccoli look out for dark green florets, these are richer in nutrients like vit C and beta carotene.

Storage
Tenderstem® broccoli keeps fresher for longer when stored in the fridge. Keep it in its packaging until you are ready to use it, and once it’s open use ASAP. You could try spraying your florets with water and wrapping them in a damp cloth or tea towel, to help them stay fresh for longer. You can freeze broccoli by blanching in boiling water for just 2-3 mins, letting it cool and then freezing laid out on a tray in the freezer for a couple of hours before storing in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 6 months.

Preparation
The joy of Tenderstem® is that it comes ready prepped! Simply fry, steam or boil them until just starting to soften, just a few mins! If you really want to rock the brocc – steam or boil for only 2 mins then toss the florets into a frying pan on a medium heat with chopped garlic and olive oil, sauté for 3-5 mins then sprinkle with lemon juice, salt and pepper, and devour them.

Sensory
Why not explore what broccoli feels and looks like when prepared in different ways? Get a few bits of Tenderstem® broccoli prepared in different ways for them – raw, frozen, boiled or steamed, roasted… Or try different forms of broccoli (regular, purple-sprouting and Tenderstem®). Ask your child what they remind them of in different forms, and encourage them to touch and smell them to see if they feel and smell different to each other, too. If they feel up to it, they could even try a little nibble or lick of the different ones to explore the varied tastes and textures, and see which one is their favourite!

Serving
Next time you make a meal with Tenderstem® broccoli, try to get your kids involved in small ways wherever you can – when serving it up, why not let your child help you plate it and see if they can come up with a funny name for the dish.
Find the best ways of involving your own child and their skills and interests on our Roles for Kids page.

Seasonality
Buying veg in season is not only great for the planet, it can be good for your wallet, too! Buying Tenderstem® broccoli over the summer will get you the best flavour and price, so keep an eye out from May.
Coming In:
May
At Its Best:
June - July

Your Food
Tenderstem® broccoli is often boiled, but to retain more flavour and texture, maybe your kids would prefer it steamed and served with butter, roasted, or even stir-fried! It’s nutty, sweet and mild, so can be a great introduction to greens for children. If you want to bring more broccoli into your meals and sides rotations, why not try some of our favourites…
Recipes

The Wonderful World of Veg
Check out our vegepedia. When to buy in-season. How to store them to keep for longer. How to engage children with each veg, and simple ideas of how to prepare and cook them for maximum taste and minimum waste. Select a veg…