Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
Grower
Baby broccoli is available from winter through early spring.
Broccoli is of the Brassica oleracea species. It is often called a brassica or cruciferous vegetable from the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family, which also includes cabbage, mustard, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and cauliflower. Broccoli grows in two common forms: broccoli calabrese (sprouting broccoli) and heading broccoli, which is also known as cauliflower broccoli, as its shape resembles the same dense curd shape as cauliflower. Baby broccoli is sprouting broccoli that is harvested while the plant is still immature. It should not be confused with broccolini.
Baby broccoli has spear-shaped, thin and tender vibrant green stalks with wavy pine-sage colored leaves. The head is a petite cluster of florets that closely resemble broccoli rabe. Compared to mature broccoli, the flavor of baby broccoli is understated, mild, peppery and subtlely sweet. The entire plant is edible.
Broccoli has been widely known to be a valuable source of carotenoids that have antioxidant properties capable of preventing and reducing risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Baby broccoli is more versatile than mature broccoli as it is more tender. Baby broccoli can be sauteed, steamed, roasted, grilled and fried. It makes a great appetizer, pasta or risotto ingredient and pizza topping. Baby broccoli's flavor marries well with butter, olive oil, lemon, lime, light-bodied vinegars, garlic, tomatoes, chiles, olives, cured meats such as pancetta and prosciutto, flaky white fish, herbs such as basil and rosemary, hard cheeses such as parmesan and pecorino or fresh cheeses such as chevre and feta.
Broccoli is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. Broccoli became a commercial agricultural product in the early 1920's when the D'Arrigo Brothers grew family seeds from Italy in Northern California and shipped the first harvested commercial crop to the East Coast. International commerce would lead to the year-round cultivation and availability of broccoli as a common commodity vegetable throughout the world. Baby broccoli varieties are commonplace in Italy and are being found more readily in California farmers markets.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Broccoli. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Baby Broccoli using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Seasons/Availability
Baby broccoli is available from winter through early spring.
Current Facts
Broccoli is of the Brassica oleracea species. It is often called a brassica or cruciferous vegetable from the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family, which also includes cabbage, mustard, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and cauliflower. Broccoli grows in two common forms: broccoli calabrese (sprouting broccoli) and heading broccoli, which is also known as cauliflower broccoli, as its shape resembles the same dense curd shape as cauliflower. Baby broccoli is sprouting broccoli that is harvested while the plant is still immature. It should not be confused with broccolini.
Description/Taste
Baby broccoli has spear-shaped, thin and tender vibrant green stalks with wavy pine-sage colored leaves. The head is a petite cluster of florets that closely resemble broccoli rabe. Compared to mature broccoli, the flavor of baby broccoli is understated, mild, peppery and subtlely sweet. The entire plant is edible.
Nutritional Value
Broccoli has been widely known to be a valuable source of carotenoids that have antioxidant properties capable of preventing and reducing risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Applications
Baby broccoli is more versatile than mature broccoli as it is more tender. Baby broccoli can be sauteed, steamed, roasted, grilled and fried. It makes a great appetizer, pasta or risotto ingredient and pizza topping. Baby broccoli's flavor marries well with butter, olive oil, lemon, lime, light-bodied vinegars, garlic, tomatoes, chiles, olives, cured meats such as pancetta and prosciutto, flaky white fish, herbs such as basil and rosemary, hard cheeses such as parmesan and pecorino or fresh cheeses such as chevre and feta.
Geography/History
Broccoli is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. Broccoli became a commercial agricultural product in the early 1920's when the D'Arrigo Brothers grew family seeds from Italy in Northern California and shipped the first harvested commercial crop to the East Coast. International commerce would lead to the year-round cultivation and availability of broccoli as a common commodity vegetable throughout the world. Baby broccoli varieties are commonplace in Italy and are being found more readily in California farmers markets.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Broccoli. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Baby Broccoli using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 45 days ago Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 74 days ago |
