Good quality broccoli should have fresh-looking, light green stalks of consistent thickness. Bud clusters should be compact and dark green with some purple tinge. When pulled apart, some bud clusters may appear yellow around the edges. This does not affect product quality; it simply means that the clusters were not exposed to sunlight during growing. Avoid broccoli with open, flowering, discolored, or water-soaked bud clusters and tough, woody stems.
Storing and Handling
Temperature/humidity recommendations for short-term
storage of seven days or less:
32-36 degrees F/0-2 degrees C
90-98% relative humidity
Copyright & Disclaimer
PMA Fresh Produce Manual
Handling Tips
Handle broccoli with care to avoid damage to bud clusters. To revive slightly wilted broccoli, apply ice directly to bunches or plunge in cold water, drain, and place in cooler.
Troubleshooting
Yellow bud clusters; loss of buds:
Broccoli is sensitive to ethylene; exposure to the gas may cause bud clusters to turn yellow or drop off. Keep broccoli away from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening rooms.
Discolored leaves; buds dropping off; softening of texture:
Holding broccoli for long periods of time may cause discoloration, loss of buds or general softening of the product. For best quality, use or display broccoli soon after receiving.
Common Packaging
23-lb. cartons or crate holding bunches
Grades
U.S. Fancy
U.S. No. 1
U.S. No. 2
NOTE: Not all broccoli is graded. Ungraded broccoli is called “unclassified.” Differences between grades are based primarily on external appearance.
Storing Tips
Keep broccoli away from ethylene producing fruits and ripening rooms.
Shippers
CARGIL PRODUCE CO.
P.O. Box 1146, Uvalde, TX 78802
6 Miles South Hwy. 117, Uvalde, TX 78802
PHONE # - 830-278-5616
FAX # - 830-278-4935
CONTACT - Steve A. Cargil, Gen. Mgr.
E-MAIL - stevec@cargilfarmsproduce.com
I. KUNIK CO., INC.
2000 Industrial Drive, McAllen, TX 78504
PHONE # - 956-686-4324
FAX # - 956-686-2855
CONTACT - Leonard Kroman, Owner
WEB SITE - www.ikunik.com
E-MAIL - buyKunik@ikunik.com
RIO FRESH, INC.
P.O. Box 1619, San Juan, TX 78589
6 Mi. S. Stewart Road, San Juan, TX 78589
PHONE # - 956-787-0023
FAX # - 956-787-0503
CONTACT - Bill Morley, President & Gen. Mgr.
WEB SITE - www.riofresh.com
E-MAIL - larry@riofresh.com
VAL VERDE VEGETABLE CO., INC.
P.O. Box 4448, McAllen, TX 78502
2200 Trophy Dr., McAllen, TX 78504
PHONE # - 956-994-1310
FAX # - 956-994-1312
CONTACT - Frank Schuster, President
WEB SITE - www.valverdevegetable.com
E-MAIL - frank@valverdevegetable.com
WINTER GARDEN PRODUCE
P. O. Box 1418, Uvalde, TX 78802
PHONE # - 830-278-3323
FAX # - 830-278-7241
CONTACT - Eddy Carnes, President & Gen. Mgr.
WEB SITE - www.wintergardenproduce.com
E-MAIL - jcarnes@wintergardenproduce.com
