Broccoli

Inventory, 22 lbs : 56.48
This item was last sold on : 10/11/24

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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.

Kensington Cafe	San Diego CA	619-684-0044 Fausto
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	858-886-9909
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Club Beverage	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Campo Gourmet	San Diego	619-719-6924
Spirit of Adventure Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-454-9711
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters	La Jolla CA	858-228-5655
Snooze H.C, LLC	San Diego CA	619-500-3344
My Chef	San Diego CA	916-217-0049
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
Marriott Courtyard Nolen	San Diego CA	619-544-1004
Books and Records	San Diego CA	619-310-5298
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Sushi Ota 2021	San Diego CA	858-270-5047
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
Stout Public House	San Diego CA	619-702-7933
The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside	Oceanside CA	760-721-3737
Therapie	San Diego CA	858-201-7551
The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd	La Jolla CA	858-776-3246

the other 117...

Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Stake Chophouse & Bar	Coronado CA	619-522-0077
Vagabond Sportfishing Inc.	San Diego CA	619-993-9575
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Bishop School	San Diego CA	858-459-4021
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Marriott Courtyard Old Town	San Diego CA	619-260-8500
Madi	San Diego CA	320-491-1217
Trattoria I Trulli	Encinitas CA	760-277-9826
Sets Kitchen and Bar	San Marcos CA	970-390-2148
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego	San Diego CA	619-696-6300
Seasoned Catering and Events	San Diego CA	619-246-4909
The Lion Share	San Diego CA	619-564-6924
Brigantine Pt Loma	San Diego CA	619-224-2871
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Third Corner Encinitas	Encinitas CA	619-417-9251
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
The Crack Shack-Encinitas	Encinitas CA	858-735-3093
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Mimmos Italian Village	San Diego CA	619-239-3710
Hasta Manana Cantina	San Diego CA	619-276-6700
Belmont Park Draft	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Convention Center Shell	San Diego CA	619-954-3063
Monarch School (Nutrition Lab)	San Diego CA	619-804-1766
The Glen at Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-444-8500
Golden Door	San Marcos CA	760-761-4142
JRDN Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-270-5736
Kettner Exchange	San Diego CA	909-915-9877
California Center for the Arts	Escondido CA	760-839-4107
Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	760-759-1843
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Vista)	Vista CA	858-886-9909
Kitchens For Good	San Diego CA	619-450-4040
Brigantine Poway	Poway CA	858-486-3066
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel 2024	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
The Crack Shack-San Diego	San Diego CA	619-795-3299
The Mission EV	San Diego CA	619-232-7662
My Yard Live	San Marcos CA	619-339-1686
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
Shogun Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-226-8030
Hilton Garden Inn	San Diego CA	858-720-9500
Valley View Casino & Hotel	Valley Center CA	760-291-5500
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo	San Diego CA	858-487-1134
Harney Sushi	San Diego CA	619-295-3272
Hane	San Diego CA	619-339-6438
Prey Brewing Company	Vista CA	760-822-4226
Vista Valley	Vista CA	760-758-2800
Southwestern Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-222-0438
Dough Momma	La Jolla CA	858-346-6692
Miho	San Diego CA	619-365-5655
Hilton Harbor Island	San Diego CA	619-291-6700
Mission Bay Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-201-7551
Sushi Kami	San Diego CA	858-451-7799
The Haven (Pizzeria)	San Diego CA	619-964-3778
Carolines Seaside Cafe	La Jolla CA	619-646-1481
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Cove House	La Jolla CA	858-999-0034
Justin Hoehn	San Diego CA	619 326 8895
Bread & Cie Café	San Diego CA	619-683-9322
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-269-4626
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
The Lab Restaurant	Oceanside CA	619-861-8299
Local Greens	Solana Beach CA	858-504-0332
Oside Kitchen Collaborative	Oceanside CA	619-807-7161 mike
Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019	Carlsbad CA	760-944-1111
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Thai One On	Carlsbad CA	760-500-8674
Bali Hai Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-222-1181
Mikami	San Diego CA	619-780-0974
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Catania La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-551-5105
Sovereign Thai Cuisine	San Diego CA	619-887-2000
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
Tribute Pizza	San Diego CA	858-220-0030
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center	National City CA	619-434-4281
The Crack Shack Costa Mesa	Costa Mesa CA	951-808-7790
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Grass Skirt	San Diego CA	858-412-5237
Tap Room Beer Co.	San Diego CA	619-539-7738
Manhattan of La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0700
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-491-0708
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe	San Diego CA	831-247-5395
Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery	Del Mar CA	858-792-2225
Pete's Premade Paleo	San Diego CA	770-359-8274
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
San Diego Humane Society	San Diego CA	619-299-7012
Searcher Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-861-4640
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Harney Poway Sushi	Poway CA	760-533-0051
Leucadia Pizza Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-530-2222
Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
College Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta	San Diego CA	310-634-2371
Shoreside Support Boat	San Diego CA	704-277-7929
Leucadia Pizza Point Loma	San Diego CA	619-295-2222
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
College Cuisine-Pi Beta Phi	San Diego CA	310-634-2371
Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch)	San Marcos CA	619-709-0938
La Valle Coastal Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5473
Edgewater Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-7581
Juniper & Ivy	San Diego CA	858-481-3666
Cutwater Spirits	San Diego CA	619-672-3848
Estancia Adobe	San Diego CA	858-550-1000
Hotel Republic San Diego	San Diego CA	951-756-9357
Urbn Pizza Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-255-7300
Mavericks Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-999-0348
Pendry SD (Pendry Banquets)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
The Roxy Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-230-2899
Red Tail Catering	San Marcos CA	858-605-8219
College Cuisine - ZBT	San Diego CA

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Broccoli. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Gimme Delicious Food		Baked Broccoli Tots
Thirty Handmade Days		Broccoli Salad
Cilantro & Citronella		Vegetable Udon Stir-fry
Mother Thyme		Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Pizza
Healthier Steps		Curry Quinoa with Broccoli
This Savory Vegan		Vegan Brocoli Pesto Pasta with Whipped Tofu Ricotta
From My Bowl		Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
Produce on Parade		Vegan Pad See Ew
Fooduzzi		Easy Vegan Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Eat Good 4 LIfe		Whole Wheat White Broccoli Pizza

the other 97...

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