FOOD NEWS
Is That Waxy Coating On Broccoli Normal?
By Angel Albring
Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals, is an excellent source of antioxidants, and contains compounds that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. However, if you regularly eat broccoli, you’ve probably noticed a waxy coating on the vegetable and are probably wondering if it’s natural or something to be concerned about.
The slick, glossy coating is a natural substance called cuticle or epicuticular wax, and it’s found in many fruits and vegetables, including broccoli. In broccoli, the waxy coating is found on the surface of the florets and stems, helping to prevent water loss and protecting it from UV radiation, insects, and pathogens, and it can sometimes give broccoli a blue tint.
The waxy coating on broccoli is not harmful to eat but can make it slightly harder to cook. To remove it, you can run it under water and scrub the stem gently with a vegetable brush, let the whole vegetable soak in some water, or place it in boiling water for a few minutes to soften the cuticle and make it more tender.