Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

Anyone else think that broccoli stalks (in the supermarkets) are getting bigger?

For the last year or so they seem to be getting huge, in some cases, because of their density I would say they weigh just as much as the florets

I think it's a cheek, so have started to snap off the stalks, and have noticed other people doing the same. I buy my food from Waitrose, so it's not like they're cheap or they're not making a (very healthy!) profit already!!

What do you think?

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

I agree with you about the broccoli stalks being longer Azz I tried snapping them too but couldn't manage it ..... I'm very tempted to take a small knife with me the next time I go to Sainsbury's

I reckon the stalks must be 75% of the weight of the broccoli!

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

I buy purple sprouting or the other green broccoli with long stems 'tenderstem'. I prefer it to the big heads of broccoli it tastes nicer and is usually fresher as much of it is grown locally You need to check the tenderstem packaging some is imported.

Waitrose sell both but I usually get mine from the greengrocer or farm shop.

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

I've never tried purple sprouting or the 'tenderstem' so I think I'll try that next time, Meg

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

Mags I just cut the tip off and steam them for about 3 or 4 mins, it is lovely.
A lot is grown around here and can be bought in big bunches
still wet with dew.

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

Yes the stems have become quite large but I can't snap them off either - I don't mind so much if they are not sold by weight (as my dogs love broccoli stems).

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

Agree wholeheartedly, I thought it was just me thinking that.
I would also like to moan about this years potatoes and carrots.
I am finding it increasingly harder to cut through them to portion them for the pan. I feel like I am cutting through stone.
Anyone else found this too? Or is it my old hands becoming infirm

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

This is not a problem that concerns me, since I'm not allowed Broccoli in any event (it interferes with my Warfarin).

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

If you are juicing the broccoli you need the stalks as big as you can get them, the floret doesn't juice so well. So we look for enormous stalks as they form the base of a lot of my husbands breakfast juices.

Re: Broccoli stalks getting bigger?

To me the stalks taste just the same as the florets, so what's the problem?