Washing broccoli with just water is wrong! Here’s how to clean it safely.

✅ Step 2: Soak in a Vinegar or Salt Water Solution

Fill a large bowl with cold water and add one of the following:

• 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water, OR
• 2 tablespoons of salt per quart of water

Let the florets soak for 5–10 minutes. This helps dislodge dirt and encourages any stubborn insects to float to the top.

💡 Bonus: Vinegar can also help kill some surface bacteria.

✅ Step 3: Swish and Rinse

After soaking, give the broccoli a gentle swish in the water to loosen any remaining grime.

Then transfer it to a colander and rinse well under cold running water, shaking or turning the pieces to get into the crevices.

✅ Step 4: Dry Thoroughly

Dry the broccoli using:

• A clean kitchen towel or paper towels
• Or a salad spinner for extra efficiency

Drying is important—especially if you’re roasting broccoli, since excess moisture will cause it to steam instead of crisp.

Pro Tips for Broccoli Washing

• Buy organic when possible to reduce pesticide exposure, but still wash thoroughly.
• Don’t soak for too long (10 minutes max) to avoid nutrient loss.
• Wash right before cooking or eating, not before storing—it stays fresher that way.

What Happens If You Don’t Wash It Properly?

• You might be ingesting trapped pesticides or dirt
• Bugs could end up in your dish (not everyone’s idea of extra protein)
• The texture and flavor of your food can suffer if grit remains

Bottom Line

Washing broccoli with just water isn’t enough to clean it properly. Because of its dense structure, this veggie needs a little extra attention to make sure it’s truly clean and safe to eat.

So next time you prep broccoli, take those extra few minutes to soak, swish, and rinse. Your health—and your taste buds—will thank you.

Would you like this turned into a visual kitchen cheat sheet or printable recipe card for cleaning produce?