The Leafy Greens Council

Good quality broccoli should have fresh-looking, light green stalks of consistant thickness. Bud clusters should be compact and dark green with some purple tinge. Avoid broccoli with open, flowering, discolored, or water-soaked bud clusters and tough, woody stems.

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 refrigerator.