# Diners, Please! Enough with the Broccoli! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [June 26, 2024, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373 "2024-06-26T19:32:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/61 "2024-06-27T14:24:02Z")
Yeah, the frozen ones suck. They always seem so waterlogged. That said, I hate prepping fresh ones, as much as a I enjoy them and yellow beans. (But if it’s green beans, it’s the fresh ones on the table.) ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/62 "2024-06-27T14:24:25Z")
But peas and corn were specifically called out by his nutritionist as not what he was supposed to use to fill the half plate with vegetables. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/63 "2024-06-27T14:25:03Z")
Yeah, corn I had heard about, but I could see peas, since they are also on the sweet side. I still wonder how carrots fit, as those are quite sweet too. ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/64 "2024-06-27T14:35:55Z")
Call me crazy, but I love broccoli, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts. I eat them regularly. They are undeniably healthy for you, especially compared to other side dishes. I eat broccoli plain, no butter or cheese sauce needed, but usually with a pinch of salt. I haven’t been to a diner in many, many years, but if they are serving broccoli as their “vegetable of the day”, they are doing you a favor and you should thank them, not curse them. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/65 "2024-06-27T15:03:24Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Yeah, corn I had heard about, but I could see peas, since they are also on the sweet side. I still wonder how carrots fit, as those are quite sweet too. [Legume of the month: Peas](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/legume-of-the-month-peas#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20their%20classification%20is,by%20the%20U.S.%20Dietary%20Guidelines.) > When you were a kid, you may have lumped peas into the same category as broccoli, spinach, or any other green plant on the plate. But green peas aren’t the same as leafy greens. In fact, their classification is a little tricky. > > Mature green peas — typically sold dried and split in half — are more like beans. But fresh or frozen green peas are classified as a starchy vegetable by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. As for carrots, I think all root vegetables are starchy. Anyway, broccoli. It’s one of my go-to vegetables. I like broccoli, and it’s quick and easy to make. My other go-to vegetables are asparagus and yellow squash. I like Brussels sprouts, but my wife doesn’t prefer them unless they’re in cheese sauce. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/66 "2024-06-27T15:03:54Z")
According to the USDA, there are five sub-groups for vegetables - green peas and corn are in “starchy vegetables” which includes potatoes, parsnips and plantains. Carrots are in the group with red and orange bell peppers, tomatoes, pumpkin etc. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/67 "2024-06-27T15:06:00Z")
Brussels sprouts should be wrapped in bacon. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/68 "2024-06-27T15:40:25Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > > [@thorny\_locust](#): > > > > Almost raw is how I like most of my veggies. Broccoli included. > > Yep. > > Well, except taters. Agreed. Potatoes are a lot of the reason for the “most” in that sentence. Potatoes I want thoroughly cooked. (Also sweet potatoes and winter squash and probably something I’m not thinking of at the moment.) ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/69 "2024-06-27T15:45:17Z")
Broccoli is quite fine in the various forms that have been described. BUT I will express solidarity with OP as to observing a trend to make unimaginatively served broccoli the everything everywhere everyday vegetable. The earth gives us other things. But I suppose they are costlier and more perishable when fresh? > [@AHunter3](#): > > Cut the alligator skin outside off. Slice it off the central core. Cut into chunks. Eat, as is, by itself. Fresh, not out of can. That’s how you eat pineapple. Well, it’s the only way _I_ wanna eat pineapple It IS the best way. Then again I grew up in a place that grew pineapples so I also had an even higher freshness advantage. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/70 "2024-06-27T15:46:19Z")
> [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](#): > > Brussels sprouts should be wrapped in bacon. Here’s my easy-peasy brussels sprouts go-to recipe: 1. Shake up sprouts in a gallon ziplock baggie with finely minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Bacon bits are perfectly optional (i usually don’t add bacon). 2. Cook in a baking pan in a 400 degree oven, shaking pan occasionally to rotate sprouts. Cook until sprouts are tender and turning golden brown in spots (~40 minutes). 3. Eat sprouts while saying things like “OMG these are so good. I can’t believe I used to think I didn’t like brussels sprouts!” ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/71 "2024-06-27T15:51:13Z")
I have done similar, although I often use an air fryer, especially in the hotter months. But, as has been discussed in MANY threads, modern brussels have a lot fewer bitter compounds compared to years gone by (and a hot, dry cooking method helps make them sweeter compared to boiled-to-death options as well) so it’s both proper cooking and carefully chosen variants. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/72 "2024-06-27T21:05:39Z")
Nvrmd, already answered above. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/73 "2024-06-27T21:33:15Z")
> [@Ponch8](#): > > Related gripe: why is fruit salad always 80% cantaloupe & honeydew, and 20% other fruit? I can’t stand cantaloupe or honeydew, and I don’t think I’m alone in this opinion. Even if I pick out the offending melon chunks, the edible fruit has already been contaminated and tastes like the garbage melons A fresh, fully-ripe cantaloupe or honeydew is a delicacy worthy of a Pindar, to sing its praises. The problem with restaurant fruit salad is that you mostly get chunks of unripe melon, which is like biting into vaguely melon-flavored plastic. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/74 "2024-06-29T12:05:56Z")
I eat broccoli pretty much every day. Raw on my lunch salad and boiled for dinner. I like to melt American cheese (hey, take it easy) over it. Fresh squeezed lemon juice is good, too. Regarding Chinese restaurants - ours cooks it perfectly every time. The overcooked stuff at dinners is pretty bad but I’l usually eat it. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/75 "2024-06-29T15:04:07Z")
I love steamed broccoli. I buy the [12 ounce bags at Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Broccoli-Florets-12-oz/13399617): throw the bag in the microwave for three minutes, and that’s all there is to it. Super convenient. Add some lean protein (tuna or grilled chicken), season with spices, and it makes for a very healthy dinner. Strangely, though, I hate cauliflower. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/76 "2024-06-29T15:37:21Z")
I like broccoli with a cheese sauce. Unfortunately many restaurants only offer plain steamed broccoli. I’ll eat a bite or two. That’s enough without sauce. [Green Giant Steamers](https://greengiant.com/product/green-giant-simply-steam-broccoli-cheese-sauce/) are good. I always stock a couple packages in my freezer. I don’t like cauliflower. My favorite side dish at a restaurant is brown beans or butter beans. A pot of beans is cheap and used to be a common side on the menu. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/77 "2024-06-29T15:41:00Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Unfortunately many restaurants only offer plain steamed broccoli. And as mentioned by others, restaurants always over-steam them for some reason. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2024, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/78 "2024-06-30T09:37:49Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Yeah, the frozen ones suck. They always seem so waterlogged. Huh. To me, frozen tastes closest to fresh from the garden. The only think they are missing is that “garden” taste that seemed to be in all of my grandma’s crops, whether tomatoes, peppers, or green beans. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2024, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/79 "2024-06-30T12:17:38Z")
Frozen green beans? Really? They don’t taste as cooked as canned green beans, but the texture… 😬 The fresh ones at the supermarket are fine, when they are available. I grew up with green beans fresh from the garden, but fresh from the produce section is pretty good, too. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373/80 "2024-06-30T17:34:46Z")
Perhaps it’s because we always cooked them in water, even fresh. How do you cook them? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diners-please-enough-with-the-broccoli/1003373.md?page=5)