by Ma. Teresa Baniaga

Created on: April 23, 2009   Last Updated: May 21, 2009

Former US President George H.W. Bush was quoted saying: "I do not like broccoli and I do not like it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I'm President of the United States and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli."

What a sorry thing to say, knowing that the world listens to every word a US President says. The poor, hated broccoli has been doing nothing but supply us with high levels of Vitamin C, soluble fiber, Vitamin K and other anti-cancer properties. It is a highly-nutritious vegetable that is commonly available, affordable and very easy to prepare. And all it gets is condemnation from the most powerful man in the world (at least at that time).

Sadly, the health benefits of broccoli are lost to a lot of people, like Mr. Bush, who are not very excited about this fantastic vegetable and perhaps, have been forced to eat it when they were young. The trauma of being coerced or punished for not eating it must have been causing this aversion to the vegetable exhibited by a lot of people. Or, perhaps it is also due to how it is cooked and presented to them.

If done properly, this vegetable which is a highly-recommended staple in anyone's diet, should top the list of anyone's favorites. It is very tasty, succulent if cooked just right, and very versatile.

Here are a few tips on how to cook broccoli:

Whatever the method of cooking, broccoli should not be overdone so as to preserve most of its nutrients and excellent flavor. Not only will it look unpalatable if overcooked, but the whole point of eating it will be rendered useless because its nutrients get destroyed in the process of cooking.

If cooked the way it should be done, broccoli should be firm but soft enough to bite and chew. It should also retain its bright-green coloration, which makes it very attractive to eat. The taste is not at all objectionable and can blend with anything that it is prepared with like meat, oriental sauces (if stir-fried) or even just simple butter or salad dressing. Yes, the taste of broccoli goes well with almost anything and that makes it versatile.

Busy moms should have no problem cooking stir-fried veggies with broccoli as the main ingredient because it does not take more than 10 minutes to cook it. All there is to do is heat a wok on medium heat and saut the vegetables in two tablespoon of olive oil. A drizzle of oyster sauce to taste should do the trick. One can also add a few pieces of shrimps or prawn to give it that extra oomph. For children, a tablespoon

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