Broccoli is a green vegetable with a thick stalk that branches into tight clusters of flower buds, looking something like a tiny tree. The parts we eat are actually the plant's unopened flowers and the stems holding them together.

Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family and grows best in cool weather. Farmers harvest it before the small green buds bloom into yellow flowers. It's packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and vitamin K.

Many kids discover they either love broccoli or strongly dislike it. Some enjoy it raw with dip, while others prefer it steamed, roasted, or mixed into dishes like stir-fry or pasta. The taste is slightly bitter and earthy, and roasting it brings out a nuttier, sweeter flavor than steaming or boiling.