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Broccoli
Inventory, 22 lbs : 74.83
This item was last sold on : 06/02/23
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.
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Mariahs Westwind Restaurant | San Marcos CA | 760-736-8108 |
| Leucadia Pizza Point Loma | San Diego CA | 619-295-2222 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Voltaire Beach House | San Diego CA | 619-997-8792 |
| St. Paul's Senior Services | San Diego CA | 619-239-6900 |
| My Five Star Chef | La Jolla CA | 619-890-1159 |
| Harumama (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
| Mimmos Italian Village | San Diego CA | 619-239-3710 |
| Urbn Pizza Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-7300 |
| Sacred Sons | Jamul CA | 970-619-0711 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Morgan Run Resort and Club | Rancho Sante Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Half Door Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-655-7459 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Golf Course Amenities | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| The Guild Bar | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619 295 7275 |
| My Yard Live | San Marcos CA | 619-339-1686 |
| Parq Restaurant and Nightclub | San Diego CA | 619-727-6789 |
| Stout Public House | San Diego CA | 619-702-7933 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| GreensPlease | Poway CA | 858-842-1001 |
| Open Gym-Working Class | San Diego CA | 619-865-3024 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Project Wildlife | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Leucadia Pizza Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-530-2222 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
| Juan Tequila | San Diego CA | 520-395-7565 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| The Islander | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Now Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-246-6179 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Uncle Italian | San Diego CA | 619-629-0676 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Olivewood Gardens -Donation | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
| Claytons Bakery & Bistro | Coronado CA | 619-435-5425 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Marriott Courtyard - Broadway | San Diego CA | 619-446-3008 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Park 101 | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-2217 |
| SB Kitchen | Solana Beach CA | 610-717-7217 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Loving Hut | San Diego CA | 619-855-5674 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
| Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch) | San Marcos CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| The Bier Garden | Encinitas CA | 760-632-2437 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Thai One On | Carlsbad CA | 760-500-8674 |
| Red Door Friends | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Pacific Cafe & Catering (Medical Cntr Dr.) | La Jolla CA | 619-808-4087 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Hoover High School | San Diego CA | 619-549-3364 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Local Greens | Solana Beach CA | 858-504-0332 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Sushi Ota 2021 | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0323 |
| Sets Kitchen and Bar | San Marcos CA | 970-390-2148 |
| Cliffhanger Cafe Menu | San Diego CA | 858-452-9858 |
| San Diego Humane Society | San Diego CA | 619-299-7012 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Monarch School | San Diego CA | 619-651-6604 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Mikami | San Diego CA | 619-780-0974 |
| The Guild Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| The Clean & Colorful Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-775-9005 |
| Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Hane | San Diego CA | 619-339-6438 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Madi | San Diego CA | 320-491-1217 |
| The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Edgewater Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-7581 |
| UCSD La Jolla (Pritikin Intensive) | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Bekker's Catering | San Diego CA | 619-287-9027 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Seasoned Catering and Events | San Diego CA | 619-246-4909 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019 | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
| Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach) | San Diego CA | 858-886-9909 |
| Manhattan of La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0700 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Broccoli. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Broccoli using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing 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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Del Mar Farmers Market
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesAbout 7 days ago, 5/27/23 Sharer's comments : Antonio Farm 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 60 days ago, 4/05/23 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Tamai Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 95 days ago, 3/01/23 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Mendoza Family Farms 
Mercato di Ballaro
Mercato di Ballaro
Near Palermo, Palermo, ItalyVia Ballaro, 90134 Palermo PA About 107 days ago, 2/17/23 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesAbout 112 days ago, 2/11/23 Sharer's comments : At Behneman Farm 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 140 days ago, 1/14/23 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 157 days ago, 12/28/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli Crowns from Suncoast Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 183 days ago, 12/03/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Bandejas Alejo
Central Mayorista Medellin
Near Itagui, Antioquia, ColombiaCalle 85 #48-01 Medellin Antioquia About 198 days ago, 11/18/22 Sharer's comments : Brócoli! 
Carulla
Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaAbout 269 days ago, 9/07/22 Sharer's comments : Brócoli verde y fresco! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 274 days ago, 9/03/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 288 days ago, 8/20/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 293 days ago, 8/14/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 361 days ago, 6/07/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suit 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 405 days ago, 4/24/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
"Small" supermarket
"Small" supermarket
California, United StatesРозыбакиева, 75, 055552/A15P3T7, Алматы, Бостандыкский район, 1 этаж https://small.kz/ About 408 days ago, 4/22/22 Sharer's comments : Fresh Broccolis grown in Kazakhstan. 
Central Market
Near Austin, Texas, United StatesAbout 415 days ago, 4/14/22 
Almagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum Express
Texas, United StatesAlmagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 431 days ago, 3/30/22 Sharer's comments : Broccolis grown in Uzbekistan 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 455 days ago, 3/05/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 496 days ago, 1/23/22 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 524 days ago, 12/26/21 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from Suncoast Farms 
Galmart supermarket
California, United StatesТРЦ Mega Center Alma-Ata, Розыбакиева, 247а, 050060/A15P2X8, Алматы, Бостандыкский район, 1 этаж About 534 days ago, 12/17/21 Sharer's comments : Fresh broccolis from China 
Santee Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farm
Near Santee, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 619 days ago, 9/22/21 Sharer's comments : I've been craving this nourishing broccoli turmeric soup. Broccoli check! 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 624 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Broccoli from suncoast farms |
