Broccoli can be eaten both raw and cooked and by itself or in a larger dish, creating lots of promotional opportunities that can entice shoppers to buy. Offer both broccoli with stocks and broccoli crowns. Include bags of florets on your display. Time-crunched consumers will appreciate the fresh-cut option.
Shipping
Bunched 23-lb. cartons/crates, 14s and 18s RPC 6419, 6420, 6423, 6425 Crowns 20-lb. box, bulk RPC 6419, 6420, 6423, 6425 Consumer packs Broccoli packs are available in florets, bunch, broccoli coleslaw, spears and stalk cuts (which are available diced, coin-cut and shredded). Value-added packs Florets come in cello bags packed in 9- to 18-lb. cardboard cartons and 8-oz. and 1-lb. retail packs. Fresh-cut spears are offered in 10-, 15- and 20-lb. loose-packed cartons. Florets (2-inches or less) are available to foodservice in 3-lb. cello bags and loose. Broccoli coleslaw (shredded broccoli, red cabbage and carrots) is available in 8-oz. and 1- and 5-lb. bags. Iceless broccoli also is available.
Grades
United States U.S. fancy U.S. No. 1 U.S. combinations U.S. No. 2
Handling
Temperature: 32 F, 0 C Relative humidity: 95-100% Mist: lightly (unpackaged) Typical shelf life: bunched 10 to 14 days, packaged 14 to 16 days Ethylene-sensitive. Do not store or transport with commodities that produce ethylene. Moderately sensitive to freezing injury. Dunking in cold water can revive slightly wilted broccoli.
1 pound = 4.5 portions or two medium spears
