Broccoli Facts for Kids

Learn fun broccoli facts, how broccoli grows, how to choose and cook it, and an easy step-by-step way to roast broccoli. This page also includes a kid-friendly broccoli balls recipe.

Fun Broccoli Facts

Broccoli is available year-round.
Its peak season is often fall through early spring.
Broccoli grows from seeds planted in the garden.
Broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked in many different ways.
It works well in soups, casseroles, stir-fries, salads, and side dishes.

How Broccoli Grows, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Broccoli Is Available

Broccoli is available year-round, but its true season is often fall to early spring.

How Broccoli Grows

Broccoli grows from a seed planted in the garden.

What to Look for When Buying Broccoli

Broccoli should be dark green with no yellowish or purple color.

Storage Tips

Store broccoli in the refrigerator.

Kid Tip: Let kids compare broccoli florets and stems so they can see that one vegetable has different useful parts.

How to Roast Broccoli

Cut the broccoli into small florets.
Wash well and dry gently.
Place on a baking tray.
Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast at 400°F for about 30 to 35 minutes.
Flip during roasting so the florets brown evenly.

Cooking Tip: Dry broccoli roasts better than wet broccoli, so blot it gently after washing. Looking for more broccoli meal ideas? Visit our Broccoli Recipes page.

Mini Broccoli Activity

Broccoli Parts Exploration

Look closely at a head of broccoli.
Point out the florets on top and the stem underneath.
Compare the tiny buds to a tree shape.
Talk about which parts can be cooked and eaten.

This is a simple way to connect food facts with cooking prep.

Broccoli Nutrition Facts

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that works well in many family meals.

Broccoli is high in vitamin C.
It contains beta carotene.
It is also a source of vitamin A.
One serving size is about 1 cup.

More Food Fact Resources

Recipe

Broccoli Balls

These broccoli balls are a fun kid-friendly way to serve broccoli and are great for practicing mixing, shaping, and baking.

Ingredients

1 package frozen broccoli
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
3 eggs

Instructions

Cook and drain the broccoli.
Chop the broccoli into small pieces.
Blend the bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, and eggs together in a bowl.
Stir in the chopped broccoli.
Roll small amounts of the mixture into balls and place on a greased baking sheet.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Flip the balls and bake another 10 minutes.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can help stir the mixture, shape the broccoli balls, and place them on the baking sheet.