Yes, Trader Joe’s does sell broccoli florets. Broccoli florets are one of the many fresh produce items that can be found at Trader Joe’s grocery stores.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about broccoli florets at Trader Joe’s:
- What types of broccoli florets does Trader Joe’s sell? Trader Joe’s sells conventional and organic broccoli florets, available loose or pre-packaged.
- How much do broccoli florets cost at Trader Joe’s? Prices vary by location but expect to pay around $1.99 to $2.99 per pound.
- What formats are the broccoli florets sold in? They are sold loose or pre-packaged in bags around 16 ounces.
- Does Trader Joe’s sell pre-cut broccoli florets? Yes, Trader Joe’s sells bags of pre-cut broccoli florets for convenience.
- Are the broccoli florets pre-washed? The loose broccoli florets are not pre-washed but the pre-packaged bags are ready to eat.
Availability of Broccoli Florets at Trader Joe’s
Broccoli florets can be found in the fresh produce section at any Trader Joe’s location. They are available year-round as a regular part of the produce selection.
Trader Joe’s offers conventional broccoli florets grown with standard farming practices. Organic broccoli florets are also available for customers looking for an organic option.
The broccoli florets come from various growers and distributors that supply Trader Joe’s stores with fresh produce. By working with a network of suppliers, Trader Joe’s is able to provide broccoli florets in their stores across the country at affordable prices all year long.
Loose vs. Bagged Options
At the Trader Joe’s broccoli display, shoppers will find both loose and bagged options for broccoli florets:
- Loose broccoli florets – These are typically conventional (non-organic) broccoli florets that are displayed loosely in bins for customers to grab their desired amount. The loose florets provide more flexibility on quantity compared to the bagged options.
- Bagged broccoli florets – Trader Joe’s also sells pre-packaged bags of broccoli florets, available in both conventional and organic varieties. The 16 oz bagged florets offer an already portioned and pre-cut convenience option.
Depending on their needs, shoppers can choose between the loose or bagged broccoli florets at Trader Joe’s. The pre-cut, pre-washed bags offer faster preparation while buying loose allows you to control the exact amount.
Pricing Information
Prices for broccoli florets at Trader Joe’s are in line with other major grocery stores. You can expect to pay the following prices:
| Broccoli Floret Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Loose conventional broccoli florets | $1.99 per pound |
| 16 oz bag conventional broccoli florets | $2.49 – $2.99 per bag |
| Loose organic broccoli florets | $2.99 per pound |
| 16 oz bag organic broccoli florets | $3.49 – $3.99 per bag |
As with any grocery item, prices may vary slightly by geographic region. However, the above price estimates provide a general idea of what to expect to pay for Trader Joe’s broccoli florets based on standard U.S. pricing.
Selection and Quality
Trader Joe’s offers a reliable selection of broccoli florets year-round. Both conventional and organic options are stocked regularly at each store. Produce shipments arrive multiple times per week to replenish supplies and ensure freshness.
The broccoli is sourced from major growing regions when in season, such as California and the Pacific Northwest. During the winter months when domestic supplies are lower, the broccoli may be sourced internationally from locations like Mexico.
Regardless of source, Trader Joe’s has strict produce specifications. Suppliers must meet requirements for:
- Size – Stalk length and floret diameters
- Color – Consistent medium to dark green heads
- Freshness – Cool chain from harvest to store
- Lack of defects – No yellowing, bruising, or damage
Adhering to these supplier standards allows Trader Joe’s to offer broccoli florets of reliable quality. The broccoli has crisp texture and bright green color indicative of freshness.
Pre-Cut Florets
For convenience, Trader Joe’s sells 16 oz bags of pre-cut broccoli florets. These are washed, cut, and ready to cook right from the bag. This saves the work of breaking down whole heads of broccoli yourself.
The pre-cut broccoli florets come in consistent bite-sized pieces. Trader Joe’s quality standards ensure the florets in the bags have:
- Uniform sizing – Pieces approximately 1-3 inches wide
- Minimal stem – Trimmed down for mostly floweret pieces
- Vibrant color – Indicative of fresh cutting
- Sanitary washing – Pre-washed and ready to eat
This makes the bagged broccoli florets a convenient and healthy pantry staple. You can add them raw to salads, quickly sauté or roast them, or use in any recipe calling for broccoli florets with minimal prep work required.
How to Select and Store
Choosing Fresh Florets
When selecting loose broccoli florets at Trader Joe’s, look for the following signs of freshness:
- Tightly closed florets – Avoid opening or flowering florets
- Crisp green stalks – Avoid thick woody stalks
- Bright green color – No yellowing or browning
- No sliminess – Check heads and stalks for moisture
The pre-cut, pre-washed broccoli florets in bags should be vibrant green with no visible defects or damage to the florets.
Opt for broccoli heads with smaller stalks which tend to be more tender. Larger stalks can be woody and tough.
Don’t worry if loose broccoli florets have some moisture on them, but pass on heads that seem overly wet or slimy which indicates older produce.
Storing Broccoli Florets
To maintain freshness, store broccoli florets as follows:
- Loose broccoli florets
- Place loose florets in a perforated plastic produce bag.
- Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 5-7 days maximum.
- Pre-cut broccoli florets
- Keep unopened bag in the refrigerator.
- Use within 5 days of opening.
Keeping broccoli refrigerated will preserve texture and flavor. But don’t wash before storing, as excess moisture speeds up spoilage.
Popular Uses for Broccoli Florets
Broccoli florets are extremely versatile in cooking. Their mild flavor pairs well with all types of seasonings and foods. Here are some of the most popular ways to use broccoli florets:
- Roasted broccoli florets – Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper then roast in the oven until crispy.
- Sauteed broccoli florets – Quickly saute in oil or broth for 2-3 minutes until bright green.
- Broccoli floret salads – Combine raw or blanched florets with other veggies, cheese, nuts, etc.
- Broccoli floret side dish – Season and pan-steam, then top with Parmesan cheese.
- Cream of broccoli soup – Puree steamed florets with broth and cream for a classic soup.
- Broccoli floret stir fry – Add to stir fries and noodle dishes for crunch.
- Casseroles – Fold into all types of casserole dishes like broccoli rice casserole.
Both raw and cooked broccoli florets work well in recipes. Their versatility makes them useful for all types of home cooking.
Nutrition Information
Here are some key nutrition facts for 1 cup of chopped raw broccoli florets (approximately 91g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 31 |
| Fat | 0.37g |
| Sodium | 33mg |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
Broccoli florets are low in calories and fat. They provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium and other nutrients.
Organic vs Conventional
There is little nutritional difference between organic and conventionally grown broccoli florets. However, organic broccoli is:
- Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
- Non-GMO
- Not irradiated
So for consumers looking to reduce pesticide exposure, the organic broccoli florets at Trader Joe’s are a suitable option.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas for using the fresh broccoli florets from Trader Joe’s:
Broccoli Floret Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add broccoli and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add onions and garlic. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss to coat.
- Cook for 1-2 more minutes until broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Serve over rice or quinoa.
Roasted Broccoli Florets and Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, toss together all ingredients until coated.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Broccoli Apple Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 apples, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, apples, cranberries and pumpkin seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Conclusion
In summary, broccoli florets are readily available at Trader Joe’s markets. They offer them loose or pre-cut in both conventional and organic options at reasonable prices. The broccoli florets at Trader Joe’s are a nutritious and versatile ingredient for all types of recipes from salads to stir fries. Their convenient pre-cut bags provide a simple way to add broccoli to meals. So next time you shop at Trader Joe’s, consider grabbing some broccoli florets to keep on hand for healthy and quick meal building.