Keep your veggies crisp!

I went to the grocery store today in search of broccoli. Broccoli is one of my most favorite vegetables, and I wanted some to accompany my shrimp on the grill tonight. I am still upset that the caterpillars have desecrated my delicious broccoli plants.

The broccoli crowns in the store were limp. What is a broccoli-loving girl to do?


Here's the thing:
When you go to the store and the veggies look limp, it isn't because they aren't being refrigerated properly. It is because they are dehydrated. Now, this obviously will not work for some veggies, but for a good number, it works wonders.

Vegetables like broccoli, heads of lettuce, bundles of herbs, greens, asparagus, cauliflower, and rabe are all to be treated like a bouquet of fresh flowers.
When you get home, trim the bottoms, and stand the vegetable up in some water. I usually use a container or bowl. I've used vases for endive, greens, and romaine. It doesn't matter. Just get the cut side in the water. Just like flowers, once in water, they should perk right up.

You can put this in the refrigerator, vase and all, or you can simply stand it on the counter. You wouldn't put your flowers in the refrigerator, after all. All veggies are best fresh, but if you do not use them all immediately, refresh the water every day.
My once-limp broccoli is now green and glowing, and ready to be grilled.