Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family whose large flowering head and stalk is eaten as a vegetable. The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means "the flowering crest of a cabbage", and is the diminutive form of brocco, meaning "small nail" or "sprout"
 
Shelf Life: about 3 to 5 days To maximize the shelf life of raw broccoli, refrigerate in a plastic bag; do not wash until ready to use. Properly stored, broccoli will usually keep well for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.