A step by step tutorial for how to cut broccoli into large or small florets from a crown, separate the stems, and not leave a mess of green buds behind on your cutting board!
Hold the broccoli with the stem facing up on a cutting board and use your knife to remove the florets from the crown, leaving about 1 inch of stem on each piece.
When you get to the center of the crown, place the stem flat on the cutting board and cut down to separate the large bunch of florets from the thick stem.
Hold a larger floret with the stem facing up on the cutting board and slice vertically into the stem about 1" inch.
Use your hands to pull apart the two florets.
To make smaller florets, continue at this point. Use your knife to cut the stem off of the floret close to the base where the buds start. Set stem aside.
Use your knife to slice just a little big through the base of the small floret.
Pull small floret apart into two pieces.
Place the florets in a colander and rinse. Shake dry. You're now ready to eat it raw or use it to cook with!
Notes
Store cut, prepared broccoli in an airtight container for up to 5 days in your refrigerator.