Copius
Broccoli, drawn for Copius

Broccoli

Brocoli

Latin nameBrassica oleracea var. italica
FamilyVegetables
OriginSouthern Italy
Season (France)June – November
FlavourGreen · Bitter · Earthy · Mild
Typical price (France)3–5 €/kg

What it is

The name is a plural — broccoli, the little arms or shoots of the cabbage. Italian immigrants carried it to America in the 1920s, where it was so unfamiliar that shipments were labelled in Italian only; within twenty years it was on every plate.

In the kitchen

Do not throw away the stalk. Peeled of its tough skin it is sweeter and crunchier than the florets.

Goes with

Garlic Chili pepper Anchovy Lemon Olive oil Almond Sesame Soy sauce

Same species

Baek-kimchi Brussels sprout Cabbage Cauliflower Cavolo nero Chinese broccoli

In season alongside

Kale Swiss chard Escarole Broad bean Frisée Good King Henry

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