*Broccoli is a green vegetable with numerous fleshy flower heads on a thick edible stalk of the plant Brassica oleracea of the cabbage family Brassicaceae.

*The large mass of flower heads is surrounded by leaves, and it most closely resembles cauliflower.

*Dehydrated broccoli florets are separated or chopped broccoli florets from which most of the moisture is removed.

*They have increased shelf life, inexpensive than the fresh ones or canned ones, and weigh less.

*These are excellent as emergency foods, and widely used in army, military, hiking, etc.

*Dehydrated broccoli need to be rehydrated with cold water for about 15-20 minutes and then cooked. They take a little longer to cook than the fresh or canned ones. On rehydration, the weight and volume increases 2.5 to 3 times their dry weight.

*Rehydrated broccoli florets are not as tender as the fresh ones, but when rehydrated and cooked, they taste very similar to fresh broccoli.

*Buying and storage: Select good quality dehydrated separated or chopped broccoli. They keep very well for several months when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. No need to refrigerate or add oxygen absorbers to the storage container.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, generally dehydrated broccoli florets are raw.
*No, because sometimes commercially dehydrated broccoli florets are sulphured. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Broccoli is very low in calories, has minimal amounts of fats and no cholesterol.

2. Excellent source of Vitamin A and betacarotenes. They enhance the eye sight, fight against acne, and result in smooth radiant skin.

3. Good source of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, increases the elasticity of skin and blood vessels, and prevents bruising of the skin.

4. Good source of folic acid and Vitamin B

6. This along with a good amount potassium reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, cholesterol build up in the blood, heart attack, diabetic heart disease, etc.

5. Very good source of calcium. It strengthens the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

6. Very good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy and antioxidants defenses.

7. Good source of iron, which helps in respiration at the cellular level by synthesizing hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen to cells.

8. They are low in sodium and have good amounts of potassium, and so help to maintain blood pressure and reduce water retention. Good amounts of potassium is also important for active muscles and nerves.