Broccoli

Estimated Inventory, 22 lbs : 48.59
This item was last sold on : 05/14/25

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Description/Taste

Broccoli consists of flowering heads that are harvested when the buds are unopened, small, and still green. The heads average 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter and grow on thick, fibrous stalks, emerging from a covering of large, leathery, dark green leaves. Broccoli heads are generally green, sometimes flushed with dark purple depending on the variety, and contain tiny, unopened buds attached to branching stems. The branching, segmented stems with the flower buds are known as florets, which connect into a larger, central, thick, and fibrous, pale green stem. The unopened buds have a crisp and tender consistency when raw, and if left to mature, the buds would produce bright yellow, four-petaled flowers. The thick, raw stems also have a crisp, crunchy, slightly chewy texture, and the leaves are edible but often contain a bitter, fibrous nature. When cooked, Broccoli develops a soft, semi-crunchy consistency and has vegetal, herbaceous, and earthy flavors with grassy, bittersweet nuances.

Seasons/Availability

Broccoli is available year-round, with a peak season in the late fall through early spring.

Current Facts

Broccoli, botanically classified as Brassica oleracea var. Italica, is an ancient, cool-season annual belonging to the Brassicaceae or cabbage family. The large, compact heads grow on upright, fibrous stalks that can reach up to 90 centimeters in height and are highly favored for their edible florets, stem, and leaves. The name Broccoli is derived from the Italian word broccolo, which roughly translates to mean “the flowering crest of a cabbage.” Broccoli was developed from many years of natural crossbreeding and was selected as a commercial crop for its high nutritional content and filling nature. There are multiple types of Broccoli, including heading and sprouting varieties, but the most common Broccoli seen in commercial markets is known as Calabrese Broccoli. This Broccoli is generally labeled as Broccoli in most markets and contains the characteristic dense, rounded green heads comprised of many smaller, branching florets. In the modern-day, Broccoli is grown worldwide, but the heads cannot be machine gathered and must be hand-harvested using knives to remove from the plant's base, making it a labor-intensive crop.

Nutritional Value

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, boost collagen production, and reduce inflammation. The vegetable is also a rich source of vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing and contains antioxidants that can help eliminate free radicals, fiber to stimulate the digestive tract, and lower amounts of vitamin A, potassium, folate, and phosphorus.

Applications

Broccoli is a versatile ingredient well-suited for both raw and cooked applications, including steaming, boiling, roasting, baking, frying, and sautéing. The heads, stems, and leaves are all edible and will contain varying textures and flavors. The heads and stems are the most common portion of the plant consumed and can be chopped and tossed fresh into salads, mixed with other ingredients into slaws, or served on appetizer plates with creamy sauces and dips. Broccoli can also be battered and fried into tempura, lightly cooked and mixed into grain bowls, tossed into pasta, stir-fried with other vegetables, steamed and served as a tender side dish, or blanched and combined into rice and noodle dishes. In addition to using the heads in larger pieces, cooked Broccoli florets can be pureed into soups, stirred into risotto, or baked into quiches. The thick stems can also be used in any preparation calling for Broccoli. Some chefs choose to peel the stems to develop a more tender consistency when cooked. Broccoli leaves are also edible but may contain a bitter flavor. The leaves can be prepared similarly to kale or Swiss chard. Broccoli pairs well with zucchini, cauliflower, bell pepper, mushrooms, roasted meats, including poultry, turkey, beef, and fish, other seafood, sauces such as oyster, soy, creamy dressing, and vinaigrettes, and cheeses such as parmesan, cheddar, feta, and goat. Unwashed, raw Broccoli will keep 4 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator, and once cooked, it will keep up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for 6 to 8 months.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Broccoli was a prevalent vegetable served during cena, an Ancient Roman dinner reserved for the wealthy upper class. Most Roman households made lunch their largest meal of the day and could not afford a lavish dinner, but cena was a multi-course meal served after daily tasks were finished among the upper class. Cena was the most common meal to invite guests and was used to showcase status through exotic recipes and ingredients. Within the meal, there was traditionally an appetizer, main course, and dessert, and the main course was also sometimes broken up into three courses depending on the wealth of the hosting family. Broccoli was served during the main course and was presented cooked, generally coated in spices and rich sauces. Marcus Gavius Apicius, a wealthy epicure, is primarily credited with recording some of the first Broccoli recipes in the cookbook De Re Coquinaria. Many experts believe that Apicius’s servants and chefs were the main authors of the recipes, but Apicius was the face and host of the extravagant dinner parties featuring these recipes, often paid by the Roman government to entertain foreign dignitaries. De Re Coquinaria contains approximately 500 recipes, and within the recipes, Broccoli was boiled, bruised, coated in coriander and cumin seeds, and tossed with a mixture of oil, wine, and onions. It was also sometimes served with creamy sauces or lightly coated in herbs. Early editions of the cookbook dating back to the 9th century can still be found at the New York Academy of Medicine and the Vatican.

Geography/History

Broccoli was developed from an ancient, wild cabbage relative native to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. Thousands of years ago, the wild cabbage relative was selectively bred for many generations to exhibit improved traits for human consumption, including flavor, size, and texture. Experts believe the Etruscans, a civilization known for their horticulture, first brought domesticated versions of Broccoli from Turkey to Southern Italy sometime before the 1st century. Broccoli continued to be cultivated in Italy, developing Calabria Broccoli, the compact heads we are familiar with today, and the plants were introduced to France in the 16th century. Broccoli was also brought to England in the 18th century, where it was initially known as Italian Asparagus. Thomas Jefferson had Broccoli planted in his Monticello garden in the United States sometime in the 18th century, but the vegetable did not become widespread in the New World until the arrival of Italian immigrants in the 19th century. Later in the 1920s, Italian immigrants known as the D’Arrigo brothers planted the first commercial fields of Broccoli in San Jose, California. The crops were shipped to Boston, and quickly after its commercial release, Broccoli rapidly increased in demand, establishing the vegetable as a commercial crop. Today California remains the largest producer of Broccoli in the United States, and the crop is sold domestically and exported to countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and Canada. Broccoli is also highly cultivated in India and China for commercial exports and is grown worldwide in home gardens.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Harumama (Little Italy)	San Diego CA	619-269-7122
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Local Greens	Solana Beach CA	858-504-0332
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-269-4626
Pier 32 Water Front Grill	National City CA	619-718-6240
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Madi	San Diego CA	320-491-1217
Ciccia Osteria	San Diego CA	619-674-4069
The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Bali Hai Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-222-1181
Pendry SD (Pool House)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego	San Diego CA	619-696-6300
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
College Cuisine - ZBT	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Harney Poway Sushi	Poway CA	760-533-0051

the other 94...

The Crack Shack Costa Mesa	Costa Mesa CA	951-808-7790
Manhattan of La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0700
Mavericks Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-999-0348
Noble House Hotels & Resorts	San Diego CA	619-276-4010
Kettner Exchange	San Diego CA	909-915-9877
Sets Kitchen and Bar	San Marcos CA	970-390-2148
Bishop School	San Diego CA	858-459-4021
Stake Chophouse & Bar	Coronado CA	619-522-0077
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Blue Ocean La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-999-0323
Stout Public House	San Diego CA	619-702-7933
The Crack Shack-Encinitas	Encinitas CA	877-230-1871
Belmont Park Draft	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
The Pearl Hotel	San Diego CA	877-732-7573
College Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta	San Diego CA	310-634-2371
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Burning Beard	El Cajon CA	619-884-4716
The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd	La Jolla CA	858-776-3246
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
Harvest Kitchen	Vista CA	619-709-0938
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980	Vista CA	760-420-7764
Sushi Kami	San Diego CA	858-451-7799
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant	Oceanside CA	858-245-3780
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
Brigantine Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-481-1166
Living Coast Discovery Center	Chula Vista CA	619-409-5900
Kitchens For Good	San Diego CA	619-450-4040
Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar	San Diego CA	858-790-6900
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
Justin Hoehn	San Diego CA	619 326 8895
Leucadia Pizza Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-530-2222
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.)	San Diego CA	619-962-5935
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad)	Carlsbad CA	760-637-5737
California Center for the Arts	Escondido CA	760-839-4107
Trattoria I Trulli	Encinitas CA	760-277-9826
Bernini's Bistro	La Jolla CA	858-454-5013
Sheraton La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-453-5500
JRDN Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-270-5736
Hilton Garden Inn	San Diego CA	858-720-9500
Solana Beach Kitchen	Solana Beach CA	610-717-7217
Kensington Cafe	San Diego CA	619-684-0044 Fausto
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo	San Diego CA	858-487-1134
Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill	Oceanside CA	760-407-8500
Mission Ave Bar and Grill	Oceanside CA	760-717-5899
Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch)	San Marcos CA	619-709-0938
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Little Frenchie	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Sushi Ota 2021	San Diego CA	858-270-5047
The Lab Restaurant	Oceanside CA	619-861-8299
Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019	Carlsbad CA	760-944-1111
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Vista)	Vista CA	858-886-9909
Mamas Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-233-6262
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Seasoned Catering and Events	San Diego CA	619-246-4909
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
The Kitchen at MCASD	La Jolla CA	619-894-2051
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center	National City CA	619-434-4281
Red Door Friends	San Diego CA	619-295-6000
Bar Same Same (Kitchen)	Carlsbad CA	760-470-9143
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Hotel Republic San Diego	San Diego CA	951-756-9357
The Crack Shack-San Diego	San Diego CA	619-795-3299
Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside	Oceanside CA	760-721-3737
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Leucadia Pizza Point Loma	San Diego CA	619-295-2222
Waverly	Cardiff CA	619-244-0416
Sepulveda Meats & Provisions	San Diego CA	619-501-1878
Mariahs Westwind Restaurant	San Marcos CA	760-736-8108
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
The Crack Shack PB	San Diego CA	619-450-7978
Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-757-6634
San Diego Humane Society	San Diego CA	619-299-7012
Monarch School (Nutrition Lab)	San Diego CA	619-804-1766
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Grass Skirt	San Diego CA	858-412-5237
Barra Oliba	San Diego CA	610-310-5110
Hane	San Diego CA	619-339-6438
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Harney Sushi	San Diego CA	619-295-3272
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Broccoli. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Delish Knowledge		Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli
Art From My Table		Broccoli Blueberry Salad
Gimme Delicious Food		Baked Broccoli Tots
Courntey Sweets		Lemon Pepper Salmon and Rice Salad
Running In A Skirt		Roasted Broccoli Pasta with Tahini Dressing
Our Salty Kitchen		Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Sunbutter Sauce
Vegan Heaven		Green Monster Veggie Burger
A Latte Food		Skinny Crustless Quiche
Simply Stacie		Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Pot Pies
Mom Loves Baking		Cold Veggie Pizza Appetizer

the other 97...

Mother Thyme		Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Pizza
The First Mess		Green Goddess Pizza & Broccoli Stem Pesto
Crowded Kitchen		Green Curry Coconut Rice with Chickpeas, Mushrooms and Greens
I Love Vegan		Broccoli Almondine
40 Aprons		Paleo Broccoli Cheese Soup
Damn Delicious		Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip
Play. Party. Plan.		Broccoli Cheese Bites
Vegan Heaven		Veggie Salad with Broccoli and Mushrooms
An Italian in My Kitchen		Three Vegetable Creamy Broccoli Soup
Delish Knowledge		Vegan Coconut Curry Noodle Bowls
Eat Good 4 LIfe		Whole Wheat White Broccoli Pizza
Meatloaf and Melodrama		Sheet Pan BBQ Smoked Sausage Dinner
Averie Cooks		Broccoli Cheese Soup
Super Healthy Kids		Broccoli Poppers
Wall Flower Kitchen		Spicy Green Soup
Gimme Delicious Food		Broccoli Crust Pizza
PaleOMG		Broccoli Fritters
Produce on Parade		Vegan Pad See Ew
The Honour System		Creamy Honey Mustard Chopped Chicken & Veggie Salad
The Kitchen is My Playground		Marinated Summer Vegetable Salad
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Three Cheese Broccoli Bites
Fooduzzi		Easy Vegan Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Fooduzzi		Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen		Broccoli Pesto
Healthier Steps		Curry Quinoa with Broccoli
Alidas Kitchen		Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Whole and Heavenly Oven		Springtime Veggie Pasta Primavera
Bunny's Warm Oven		Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Passion for Savings		Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup
Delish Knowledge		Charred Broccoli and Mozzarella Sandwich
Fuss Free Cooking		Broccoli Pesto Pasta
The Novice Chef		Broccoli Cheese Bombs
Gourmande in the Kitchen		Creamy Broccoli Spinach Soup
Julia's Album		Asiago Roasted Broccoli
Evolving Table		Roasted Broccoli with Sriracha with Honey
The Endless Meal		Roasted Broccoli Salad with Blueberries, Bacon, and Pecans
Thirty Handmade Days		Broccoli Salad
Wine and Glue		Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Life Made Sweeter		Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Rebooted Mom		Creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Pasta Sauce
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad With Pistachios, Cranberries, And Red Onion
The Busy Baker		Healthy 3 Ingredient Broccoli Soup
Garlic & Zest		Truffled Cream of Broccoli Soup
Ahead of Thyme		Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Baked Greens		Broccoli, Cheddar, & Green Pea Fritters
Wine and Glue		Lighter Broccoli Cheese Soup
Little Mashies		Broccoli Baby Puree
Produce on Parade		Broccoli & Squash Quiche
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Chicken And Broccoli Salad With Creamy Dressing
A Brown Table		Broccoli, Thyme and Gochulang Soup
A Healthy Slice of Life		Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Foodie Fiasco		Low Calorie Cheesy Broccoli Quiche
Simply Stacie		Very Veggie Chicken and Rice Soup
Courntey Sweets		Broccoli Cheese Potato Mini Pies
The Harvest Kitchen		Coconut Curry Broccoli Soup
The Foodie Physician		Seared Tuna with Soba Noodles and Sesame Roasted Broccoli
The Cookie Rookie		Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
This Savory Vegan		Vegan Brocoli Pesto Pasta with Whipped Tofu Ricotta
Cilantro & Citronella		Vegetable Udon Stir-fry
Pip & Ebby		Eggs with Broccoli and Tomatoes
Design Dazzle		5 Minute Healthy Halloween Treats
Domestic Fits		Broccoli Guacamole
Happy Healthy Mama		Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Sweet Dash of Sass		Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Natasha's Kitchen		Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles
Feel Good Foodie		Broccoli & Cheese Hand Pies
Rawmazing		Sweet Potato Broccoli Salad with Garlic-Ginger Tahini Sauce
An Italian in My Kitchen		Baked Breaded Broccoli
Veggie Inspired		Velvety Green Vegetable Soup
Cooking Classy		Very Veggie Fried Rice
Feel Good Foodie		Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Vegan Heaven		Vegan Chicken Alfredo
Design Dazzle		Garden Veggie Rice Salad
Wife Mama Foodie		Creamed Broccoli & Spinach Soup
The Endless Meal		Green Veggie Pizza Crust
Know Your Produce		Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Baked Potato
Rabbit and Wolves		Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli
Vanille Verte		Chicken Tikka Masala on Broccoli Rice
Clean Eats, Fast Feets		Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Savory Tooth		Balsamic Roasted Broccoli Salad with Garlic
Weelicious		Broccoli, Potato and Cheese Puree
From My Bowl		Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
Hey Keto Mama		Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
I Wash You Dry		Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Taste and See		Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
Two Peas and Their Pod		Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese
Clean Eating Veggie Girl		Raw Cheezy Broccoli Poppers
Kristine's Kitchen		No Mayo Broccoli Salad with Blueberries and Apple
Buona Pappa		Salmon Broccoli Lemon Baby Puree
Radiate Food Vibes		Vegan Pizza Potato Skins with Roasted Broccoli
Peas and Crayons		Broccoli and Cheddar Four Cheese Pizza Flatbread
Daily Rebecca		Broccoli & Chickpea Salad
Damn Delicious		Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
A Latte Food		Hash Brown Crusted Broccoli & Cheddar Quiche Cups
Because I Said So, Baby		Easy Cheesy 4 Ingredient Broccoli Bites
Delish Knowledge		Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pizza
The Harvest Kitchen		Crunchy Curried Broccoli Salad