Your FAQs

Here's answers to some of your more frequently asked questions around Tenderstem® broccoli.

What is Tenderstem® broccoli?

Tenderstem® broccoli is just like broccoli, but better. First produced in Japan in 1993, Tenderstem® broccoli is a hybrid of Chinese kale and broccoli. It blends the best of Chinese kale’s leafy, long stems and broccoli’s tightly bunched florets to create an even better vegetable for your dinner. And it’s not just about texture and flavour, Tenderstem® broccoli is also high in vitamin A and C, as well as being a source of potassium and manganese among plenty other vitamins and nutrients.

What does Tenderstem® broccoli taste like?

A bit like broccoli but way better. Tenderstem® broccoli has succulently sweet and slightly nutty flavour.

How many calories are in a standard serving of Tenderstem® broccoli?

Each 100g serving contains just 35kcal.

What is the nutritional value of Tenderstem® broccoli?

Tenderstem® broccoli has many nutritional benefits that make it a vegetable that is very good for you. It's high in folates, Vitamin A and C, plus it's a good source of fibre and protein.

How do you cook Tenderstem® broccoli?

Tenderstem® broccoli can be boiled, stir fried, steamed, grilled, roasted, barbecued or eaten raw. You name it, we’ve probably tried it.

You can watch videos on all the different ways to cook Tenderstem® broccoli here.

Can I eat Tenderstem® broccoli raw?

Yes, you can eat Tenderstem® broccoli raw. The crunchy stems and tender florets are delicious raw and can be enjoyed on a picnic or in a lunchbox just as much as part of you evening meal. Try dunking it into beetroot hummus or some home-made feta and thyme dip for the perfect afternoon snack.

How much Tenderstem® broccoli makes up 1 of your 5-a-day?

Seven stems of Tenderstem® broccoli make up 1 of your 5-a-day.

Where is Tenderstem® broccoli grown?

Over half of Tenderstem® broccoli is grown in the UK, however to ensure we can bring it to you all year round we also source it from Kenya and Spain.

Is Tenderstem® broccoli a superfood?

Yes, with lots of health benefits, this stemsational veggie is certainly super. It's high in fibre and protein, very low in salt and fat free. Tenderstem® broccoli is also high in Vitamin A, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system. It is high in folate, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. And it’s also high in Vitamin C which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Tenderstem® broccoli contains lots more vitamins and nutrients that you can discover all about here.

How to Store Tenderstem® broccoli

You can refrigerate Tenderstem® broccoli for several days, and it keeps very well in the crisper drawer. You can also buy frozen Tenderstem® broccoli, which can be kept frozen in your freezer for several months, though we often find it gets used much quicker than that! Remember to adhere to the packet’s best before or use by information.

Can You Eat the Stems of Tenderstem® broccoli

Yes, you can eat the stems. Every inch of Tenderstem® broccoli is delicious and edible. The stems are crunchy with a succulently sweet and slightly nutty flavour.

Can You Microwave Tenderstem® broccoli

You can microwave Tenderstem® broccoli if you would like to quickly warm it through. However, there are plenty of other ways to cook Tenderstem® broccoli that can bring out the flavour a little better. Discover the best ways to cook Tenderstem® broccoli here.

What can I use Tenderstem® broccoli stems for?

Tenderstem® broccoli is often best enjoyed served whole, so you can eat the stems with the florets together. But you can get creative and use the stems in all sorts of ways. Depending on what you’re cooking, you can try chopping them up thinly and adding to your base sauce. You can turn them into a puree or save them for a quick and easy soup.

When is Tenderstem® broccoli in season?

Tenderstem® broccoli is grown in the UK through most of the year, especially from spring through to late autumn. However, we can get it to you fresh all year round because we also source it from Kenya and Spain.

Can You Eat the Leaves on Tenderstem® broccoli?

Yes, every inch of Tenderstem® broccoli is edible. You can eat the whole thing from tip to stem, including the leaves.

What Goes well with Tenderstem® broccoli

Tenderstem® broccoli is so versatile that it goes well with pretty much anything you can think of. It works perfectly alongside your favourite cut of meat or fillet of fish. You can serve it with pasta, noodles, rice, or salads. You could try it in a curry, a stir-fry or on the BBQ. There’s no meal that isn’t enhanced with a little bit of Tenderstem® broccoli.

How to Season Tenderstem® broccoli

You can season Tenderstem® broccoli in all kinds of different ways. It is delicious with a simple sprinkling of salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil or a punchy garlic and soy sauce dressing. You can also season Tenderstem® broccoli with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh citrus kick, or chilli flakes for a spicy side dish. Get creative and season it however you like it, we’re sure it’ll be delicious. For a little bit of inspiration, try our Lemon Butter recipe.