Does it need checking? Broccoli is mostly infested (muchzak b’negiut), in both Israel and the USA. (Rav Moshe Vaya)
Rav Vaya’s rating
| USA | ★★ | mostly infested (muchzak b’negiut) |
| Israel | ★★ | mostly infested (muchzak b’negiut) |
Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 936 (Broccoli)
Which bugs
- OU Kosher’s chart names them: aphids, thrips or broccoli worm. They sit in the floret head, or at the base where the floret joins the stem. They may look brownish after parboiling.
Sources
- Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 936 (rating).
- OU Kosher: aphids, thrips or broccoli worm, in the floret head or at the base where the floret joins the stem. Stems: wash thoroughly. Whole fresh broccoli: parboil no more than 1 minute, separate each head, and look carefully into the Y-shaped branch areas of each floret. If 1–2 insects are found, keep checking the rest of the head. If 3 are found, discard the whole head. Frozen: thaw completely and check the same way. Frozen is hard to check, so it is best to avoid it without certification. (Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Chart)
- cRc: fresh or frozen broccoli is very impractical, close to impossible, for the average consumer to check properly. Use only broccoli with a reliable hashgacha. Stems alone, without florets, may be used after rinsing with water. (Fruits & Vegetables Checking Guide)
Related
- How to check cauliflower for bugs
- How to check Brussels sprouts for bugs
- How to check white cabbage for bugs
References: OU Kosher — Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Chart (PDF) · cRc — Fruits & Vegetables Checking Guide
Source: Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, p. 936
