Gardening: My Cousin Broccoli

Planning a garden? How about bringing something new to the table? Consider a broccoli-crossbred vegetable like broccolini, broccoli raab or purple broccoli. All are hardy plants that can be grown from seed or transplants. Like broccoli, they are cool weather vegetables and should be planted 4 to 6 weeks before the frost date.

Broccolini - Broccolini, also known as baby broccoli, is a cross between conventional broccoli and Chinese kale (Gai Lan). It is sometimes sold on the market as "aspiration," although it is not related to asparagus. The flavor of broccolini is similar to broccoli, but sweeter. You may have seen it at the grocery store sold in bunches resembling skinny broccoli with very small heads. It is delicious and if you haven't tried it, you are in for a treat.

Broccoli raab - Although it has broccoli's name, broccoli raab is not related to broccoli. It is actually a descendant from a wild herb that grows in the Mediterranean. It is, however, closely related to turnips which is probably why the leaves look like turnip greens. Lots of broccoli-like buds appear here and there but a head never forms.

The flavor of raab is similar to broccoli but much more pungent. The flavor is often described as pleasantly bitter. Broccoli raab cooks quickly - in about 2 to 5 minutes. If overcooked, it turns to mush, so watch it closely. Broccoli raab is also known as rapini and broccoli rabe.

Broccoflower - This is obviously a cross between cauliflower and broccoli and actually looks like green cauliflower. It is a very pretty vegetable that tastes more like cauliflower than broccoli.

Purple broccoli - This cousin looks like small heads of purple cauliflower. It is in fact often mistaken for purple cauliflower, which is much larger and very different in taste. Although it does not look like broccoli, it does taste like it.

Spring 2000
Perennial Plant of the Year | Fertilizing Your Lawn in Spring | Home Study Lawn Care Course | Stay Safe When Mowing Your Lawn | PHS Gold Medal Plant Award | Penn State Expert Offers Tree Shoppers Well-Rooted Advice | Cybergarden Sites | Bug Bites | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Healthy Body-The New Year's Resolution | Water: An Essential Nutrient | Asparagus: Queen of Spring Vegetables | Gardening: My Cousin Broccoli | Health and Household Tips | Did You Know?

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