Broccolini® (Aspirations)
Estimated Inventory, 18 ct : 91.43
This item was last sold on : 11/16/24
Description/Taste
Broccolini® consists of elongated, tubular stems, averaging 10 to 15 centimeters in length, and transitions into dark green leaves traveling up the stem, spreading into small, clustered florets at the top. The narrow stems are bright green, firm, and smooth with a dense, crunchy, and succulent consistency. The leaves and florets are dark green with a delicate, brittle, and crisp texture. Broccolini® has a fresh, green taste with subtle peppery and mustard-like undertones. The vegetable is milder than common broccoli, and when cooked, the flavor becomes understated with fresh, sweet nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Broccolini® is available year-round.
Current Facts
Broccolini® is a naturally developed hybrid vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The sweet and tender variety was produced from traditional hand-pollinated crosses between gai lan and broccoli and is not genetically modified. Broccolini® is also known as Aspirations and was created in Japan as a crop to complement the seasonal sales of cool-season broccoli. Broccolini® grows best in temperate climates and can be grown year-round and worldwide, but the vegetable has remained a luxury variety due to the cultivar’s challenging growth characteristics and multiple harvest requirements. Despite its demanding nature, Broccolini® has amassed a small following among chefs and broccoli enthusiasts for the variety’s mild, sweet flavor, zero waste nature, and tender, crunchy consistency.
Nutritional Value
Broccolini® is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system while reducing inflammation, and is a good source of fiber and vitamin A. The cultivar also provides calcium to protect bones and teeth, iron to build the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport in the blood, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and lower amounts of folate, vitamin K, and manganese.
Applications
Broccolini® has a delicate nature and sweet, peppery flavor well suited for both raw and cooked applications. The hybrid cultivar does not need to be peeled before use and was designed to withstand high heat, utilized in roasted, stir-fried, sauteed, steamed, or blanched preparations. Broccolini® can be shaved into green salads, and the entire vegetable is edible, including the stem, leaves, and florets. It can also be blanched and tossed into pasta, chopped and mixed into grain bowls, layered on appetizer plates with creamy cheeses and dips, or tossed in light-bodied vinegar and served as a bright side dish. Beyond lightly cooked applications, Broccolini® can be stir-fried into vegetable medleys, roasted with meats, or used as a topping over pizza. Broccolini® pairs well with meats such as poultry, turkey, beef, pork, and fish, aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and onions, cheeses such as parmigiano, burrata, goat, and feta, tomatoes, eggplant, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, citrus, and olives. Whole, unwashed Broccolini® will keep 5 to 10 days when stored in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Broccolini® is known around the world by many different names, and these names were created from targeted marketing plans to popularize the new vegetable. The variety was originally released as Aspirations, a term developed by Sakata Seed in reference to the company’s hopes of the new variety being successful. The name was also created to encourage consumers to relate the variety’s elongated stalks with the tender nature of asparagus, despite the cultivar not having any genetic ties with asparagus. Once Aspirations was introduced to the United States, it was renamed by the Mann Packing Company in Salinas, California. Mann Packing Company’s Chief Operating Officer’s wife, Debbi Nucci, developed the name Broccolini®, and the company filed a registered trademark for the name in 1998 in an effort to rebrand the new vegetable. The name Broccolini® was developed to associate the cultivar with baby broccoli as the American consumer market has a fondness for baby vegetables. Broccolini® was met with a positive response nationwide and is the primary label used in the United States today. Broccolini® is also known under other names, including Asparbroc, Chinese Baby Broccoli, Tender Stem, Broccoletti, and Broccolini Brand Baby Broccoli.
Geography/History
Broccolini® was developed by Sakata Seeds, a seed breeding company based in Yokohama, Japan, with offices worldwide. The variety was created from a Sakata Seed annual research meeting in the 1980s in Japan between marketing and sales professionals, seed breeding scientists, and experts. Sakata Seed is one of the world’s leading supplier of broccoli seeds, and during the research meeting, an idea was developed to create a type of vegetable similar to broccoli that could be grown in warmer climates year-round. It was important to the research team that the new variety maintained some physical similarities to broccoli, but the entire vegetable should be edible to reduce food waste. It took over seven years for the new vegetable to be created, first labeled under the name Aspirations, and was released to Japanese growers in 1993. Aspirations was later introduced in 1996 to the United States and was sold through licensed growers in Northern California. The leading partnership was with the Mann Packing Company of Salinas, one of the largest distributors of fresh broccoli. The company aggressively marketed the new variety as a sweeter, high-end variant of broccoli and eventually trademarked and renamed Aspirations to Broccolini® in 1998. Today Broccolini® is considered a specialty variety primarily found through farmer’s markets and select grocers and is sold in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | Vista CA | 818-259-0995 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Pendry SD (Pendry Banquets) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Candor | La Jolla CA | 858-581-2205 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Smoking Gun | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Garbatella Osteria Bar | Chula Vista CA | 619-651-1185 |
| Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Seneca | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Donna Jean | San Diego CA | 619-299-5500 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Sunshine Provisions & Catering | Santee CA | 619-550-9953 |
| Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
| Sepulveda Meats & Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-501-1878 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Baja Cavi | Lomas de Valle Verde 22810 | 619-295-3172 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Meraki | San Diego CA | 833-921-7180 |
| Pure Meal Prep SD | San Diego CA | 209-485-4861 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Sago | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Lou Lou's | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Lauberge Del Mar Adelaide | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Savory Moment (1) | El Cajon CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Bayside Landing | San Diego CA | 858-270-9200 |
| Omni Hotels | San Diego CA | 619-231-6664 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Huntress (Banquet) | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Marriott Marquis North Tower | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Beach Plum Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-688-8682 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Savory Moment (2) | El Cajon CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Regency Twin Oaks | San Marcos CA | 909-325-6941 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Therapie | San Diego CA | 858-201-7551 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Rubicon Deli-UTC | San Diego CA | 858-877-9911 |
| Louisiana Purchase | San Diego CA | 619-255-8278 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Buckboard Catering & Events | El Cajon CA | 619-334-4400 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Distribution Center) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
| Leila | San Diego CA | 619-550-5412 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye) | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| All Aspects Catering and Events | San Diego CA | 855-287-7658 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
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| Bernini's Bistro | La Jolla CA | 858-454-5013 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
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| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Something Homemade | Vista CA | 858-245-1004 |
| HiroNori Ramen | San Diego CA | 619-446-9876 |
| The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
| Blue Whale | La Jolla CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Slowly | San Diego CA | 858-352-6080 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Campo Gourmet | San Diego | 619-719-6924 |
| Books and Records | San Diego CA | 619-310-5298 |
| Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Manhattan of La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0700 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Seasoned Catering and Events | San Diego CA | 619-246-4909 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| BFD-Big Front Door | San Diego CA | 619-723-8183 |
| Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
| Marriott Courtyard - Broadway | San Diego CA | 619-446-3008 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Echale | Encinitas CA | 303-210-2892 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Elvira | San Diego CA | 619-560-3800 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| Bar Same Same (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-470-9143 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
| MCRD-Marine Corps Recruit Dept | San Diego CA | 619-725-6478 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
| DS Catering Kitchen | Chula Vista CA | 619-703-9321 |
| Communion | San Diego CA | 619-606-5568 |
| DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-881-6900 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| Vagabond Sportfishing Inc. | San Diego CA | 619-993-9575 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-861-4640 |
| Zanzibar at the Loft | La Jolla CA | 858-210-5476 |
| Pizzeria Luigi | San Diego CA | 610-539-7025 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Ulivo | San Diego CA | 619-962-7345 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn | San Diego CA | 877-517-9340 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| The Kitchen at Torrey View | San Diego CA | 702-489-2129 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5995 |
| Happy Medium SD | San Diego CA | 509-869-2279 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
| Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
| Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Mission Bay Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-201-7551 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
| Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Spirit of Adventure Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-454-9711 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Graze | San Diego CA | 619-839-9852 |
| Viejas Casino Banquets | Alpine Ca | 619-295-3172 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| The Cottage Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-775-1197 |
| Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Birds Eye (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 513-549-0974 |
| Pacific Terrace Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-581-3500 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Broccolini® (Aspirations). One
is easiest, three is harder.
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