Produce Briefs...
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Banana Flowers
Exotic banana flowers are the red-orange to deep purple, pointed, compact heads at the tip end of a forming bunch of bananas. Each bud has large outer petals that protect groups of small white flowers
Seasons/Availability
Broccoli Romanesco is available late summer until a frost.
Current Facts
A botanical dilemma, this edible has caused much confusion about its true parentage. Sometimes called Romanesco broccoli and sometimes called Romanesco cauliflower in North America, the French call it Romanesco cabbage while the Italians refer to it as broccolo Romanesco.
Description/Taste
Offering a distinct, nutty flavor described as more intense than broccoli, this pale, green vegetable tastes like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. Its unique growth pattern creates ornate twists from four-to-five-inch, light green heads.
Applications
Broccoli romanesco can be prepared like cauliflower or broccoli. Separate florets and blanche briefly, then toss with hot pasta and cheese. Boil romanesco florets until tender, then puree with garlic, cream and parmesan. Saute florets in a hot skillet, the stir in a mixture of miso, red pepper, anchovy, almonds and water. Blanch romanesco and cauliflower florets, then combine with grated cheese and bechemel, stuff filling in cannelloni shells, top with tomato sauce and bake. To store, place in a plastic bag; refrigerate. Use within two to three days for optimum quality.
Geography/History
Romanesco, a unique Italian variety of broccoli of the genus Brassica oleracea, produces a yellowish-green dense head that forms an unusual spiral pattern. Maturing about seventy-five to one hundred days after planting depending on variety, romanesco develops multiple compact heads that may be individually snapped off as needed. Mostly native to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the large Brassicaceae family includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, collards, rutabagas, kale and kohlrabi, to name a few. The brassicas, also known as the mustard or cole family, are fairly easy to grow and prefer cool moist conditions.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| Pacific Cafe & Catering | San Diego CA | 858-350-2700 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 ex 4 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
| Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-203-8584 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-451-9100 |
| Venissimo Cheese San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-358-9081 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Achio | San Diego CA | 310-402-6195 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Broccoli Romanesco. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Broccoli Romanesco 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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Bistro 33 Near Ditmars Bl/21 St, New York, United States About a day ago, 6/18/13 Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 15 days ago, 6/05/13 Spotter's comments : Jaime Farms is selling beautiful romanesco today. Available for another month or so. Jack London Square Farmers' Market Near Emeryville, California, United States About 59 days ago, 4/21/13 Ocado Yorkshire Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 100 days ago, 3/11/13 Abel and Cole UK Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 130 days ago, 2/10/13 Ocado Yorkshire Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 130 days ago, 2/10/13 SDSU Near La Mesa, California, United States About 133 days ago, 2/07/13 Spotter's comments : Found this cool green cauliflower ! Specialty Produce Near San Diego, California, United States About 141 days ago, 1/29/13 Spotter's comments : Tastes like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. Has a distinct nutty flavor and pairs well with a variety of different foods. |
