Money Moral Dilemma: Is it OK to snap off the broccoli stalk before weighing it?

Former_MSE_Nick

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My girlfriend was shocked to see me break off the stalk before weighing it when we were shopping recently. I'm not going to eat that part and it saves on the price - is that not okay?

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply!

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

robin58

I have ALWAYS done it.

Still awaiting the supermarket staff to collar me and force me to pick up the discarded stalk. :rotfl::rotfl:

flyingflea

It's not really OK as you're effectively depriving the store of income they would have otherwise had. If everyone did that they'd have to increase the price of broccoli. It probably only saves you a few pennies so is it really worth it?

I sometimes feel a bit bad grabbing fresher fruit or veg from the tray below but at least I'm paying for all of it.

vypinac2

Do you peel bananas too?

Herbalus

"Breakages must be paid for"

bagby

If it's particularly big I've snapped off the stalk before. Shame on me.

HappyMJ

No problem at all. I do it whenever possible. Most of the time though broccoli is shrink wrapped in plastic and a barcode sticker applied to it so it makes no difference if you remove the stalk as you'll be paying the same price no matter the weight of the broccoli.

stevenhp1987

I see it as no different to picking individual bananas.

Not sure, how smaller shops then sell the aforementioned stalk is beyond me, but larger shops can easily take the hit.

Although at the end of the day, you've saved ~ 20p. That stalk could have made some lovely veg stock (for soup).

scotsbob

I always do and I leave the stalk.


People who want to make soups buy the stalks for 20p so everyone's a winner.


.

[Deleted User]

I am happy to use the stem in soups (bulks it out a bit) I cut the stem off when I get home and slice it up and freezee it .a handful goes into bottom of the fridge soup when needed do the same with mushroom stalks.

peter0811

But the stalk is the best bit! I would recommend peeling off the tough outer layer then steaming the inside with the rest of the broccoli - it's delicious!

But to answer your question, of course it's ok, and I would thoroughly encourage this behaviour - please keep leaving the delicious stalks behind as this saves me having to break them off to put in my trolley.