Brocoli Leaves

[shellyr44]

I plannted brocoli for the first time this year and I'm wondering about the leaves. They are so big and green and really nice looking. Can we eat these also? If not can I feed them to the chickens? It just seems a waist to just toss them after we pick the heads.

[littlebitfarm]

I don't know what they taste like but my dogs love to eat them. Hasn't hurt them any!

Kathie

[Kathy in MD]

The small young leaves are good…I would think the larger older ones would be bitter and tough…I’m assuming you know that if you leave the plant standing after the first cutting smaller heads will develop

[shellyr44]

Kathy, thanks for the info. This is my first time planting it so this info is a plus.

[Kathy in MD]

You are quite welcome shelly…enjoy your broccoli…

[Snakeoil]

I feed all of my cabbage and brocolli leaves to chickens and quail, they love them.

[StaceyS]

I like them saute'd like kale, or I make a nice "pickled" salad with the leaves shredded and tossed w/ salt, pepper, apple cider vingar and oil. I use them as much as the broccoli (or cauliflower for that matter).

[rickd203]

Great info, I was wondering about this also. I think I'll try adding the shredded leaves to cole slaw.

[Mid Tn Mama]

Everything (stem and leaves, etc,) on brocolli and cole plants is edible. I use the leaves in stir fry (slice thinly) and it tastes like brocolli.

[prairiedog]

shredded into cole slaw is great we love it

[WisJim]

Many varieties of brocolli will produce side shoots (smaller heads) after picking the large head, so you may want to let the plants grow and produce more--unless they are a variety that doesn't make side shoots.

[Use Less]

Don't see why you can't try eating these once the side heads are done. You could try taking out any thick veins or stems, slice leaves diagonally and cook at medium low for a long time- like with big ol' collards. Also consider bringing to a boil once, then changing the water. A little baking soda can tame bitterness in stuff, maybe a 1/2 teaspoon to a kettleful. Sue

[sgl42]

i eat the leaves. i buy it at the farmer's market. love broccoli in my mac & cheese. cut up the heads, leaves, stem, steam them, then stir into the mac & cheese. also in fried rice. makes the broccoli last longer, and it all tastes great.
--sgl

[Ravenlost]

I chop them up in the food processor and then use the mash to make cream of broccoli soup.

[ldc]

We eat the leaves too!! Another great veg! ldc

[soulsurvivor]

Has anyone ever tried drying the leaves? And would they be useful as a seasoning?