Broccoli

Estimated Inventory, 22 lbs : 49.19
This item was last sold on : 02/20/25

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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.

Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Monarch School (Nutrition Lab)	San Diego CA	619-804-1766
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters	La Jolla CA	858-228-5655
Urbn Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-255-7300
Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery	Del Mar CA	858-792-2225
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Sushi Ota 2021	San Diego CA	858-270-5047
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Salvatore's	San Diego CA	619-544-1865
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Harney Sushi	San Diego CA	619-295-3272
Little Frenchie	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
The Crack Shack-Encinitas	Encinitas CA	877-230-1871
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego	San Diego CA	619-696-6300
Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch)	San Marcos CA	619-709-0938
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye)	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234

the other 99...

Something Homemade	Vista CA	858-245-1004
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Sovereign Thai Cuisine	San Diego CA	619-887-2000
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Manhattan of La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0700
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019	Carlsbad CA	760-944-1111
Stake Chophouse & Bar	Coronado CA	619-522-0077
Bernini's Bistro	La Jolla CA	858-454-5013
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Hane	San Diego CA	619-339-6438
Sushi Kami	San Diego CA	858-451-7799
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
California Center for the Arts	Escondido CA	760-839-4107
Carolines Seaside Cafe	La Jolla CA	619-646-1481
Harvest Kitchen	Vista CA	619-709-0938
Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Kensington Cafe	San Diego CA	619-684-0044 Fausto
Bali Hai Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-222-1181
Whiskey Girl	San Diego CA	619-236-1616
Seasoned Catering and Events	San Diego CA	619-246-4909
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	619-816-8319
Barra Oliba	San Diego CA	610-310-5110
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
Kettner Exchange	San Diego CA	909-915-9877
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
Rose Café	Carlsbad CA	310-399-0711
Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside	Oceanside CA	760-721-3737
College Cuisine - ZBT	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Belmont Park Draft	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Coco Maya by Miss Bs	San Diego CA	858-245-3780
Crafted @ Minerva's Cafe	La Jolla CA	858-699-4129
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe	San Diego CA	831-247-5395
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo	San Diego CA	858-487-1134
Pete's Premade Paleo	San Diego CA	770-359-8274
Mavericks Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-999-0348
Garbatella Osteria Bar	Chula Vista CA	619-651-1185
Justin Hoehn	San Diego CA	619 326 8895
Hilton Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-543-9000
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
Madi	San Diego CA	320-491-1217
The Crack Shack Costa Mesa	Costa Mesa CA	951-808-7790
Harumama (Little Italy)	San Diego CA	619-269-7122
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Trattoria I Trulli	Encinitas CA	760-277-9826
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Vista)	Vista CA	858-886-9909
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-269-4626
Blue Ocean La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-999-0323
Prey Brewing Company	Vista CA	760-822-4226
Burning Beard	El Cajon CA	619-884-4716
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
Leucadia Pizza Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-530-2222
Harney Poway Sushi	Poway CA	760-533-0051
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad)	Carlsbad CA	760-637-5737
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
Davanti Enoteca Little Italy	San Diego CA	619-237-9606
Grass Skirt	San Diego CA	858-412-5237
Bishop School	San Diego CA	858-459-4021
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Sets Kitchen and Bar	San Marcos CA	970-390-2148
The Flavor Chef (Catering)	Vista CA	619-295-3172
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Sheraton La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-453-5500
The Lab Restaurant	Oceanside CA	619-861-8299
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst.	San Diego CA	508-289-2667
The Crack Shack-San Diego	San Diego CA	619-795-3299
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant)	San Diego CA	858-675-8505
Living Coast Discovery Center	Chula Vista CA	619-409-5900
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Kinme Omakase	San Diego CA	619-231-0700
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
College Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta	San Diego CA	310-634-2371
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Harney Sushi Oceanside	Oceanside CA	760-967-1820
Belmont Park Entertainment	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Leu Leu	Leucadia CA	619-316-5807
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	858-886-9909
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Red O Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-291-8360
Hilton Garden Inn	San Diego CA	858-720-9500
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
San Diego Humane Society	San Diego CA	619-299-7012
The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Leichtag Foundation	Encinitas CA	760-230-6772
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Four Seasons Residence Club	Carlsbad CA	760-603-6360
Coin-Op Game Room (Downtown)	San Diego CA	619-255-8864
Leucadia Pizza Point Loma	San Diego CA	619-295-2222
Stout Public House	San Diego CA	619-702-7933
Solana Beach Kitchen	Solana Beach CA	610-717-7217
Local Greens	Solana Beach CA	858-504-0332
Primal Balance Nutrition LLC	Vista CA	818-259-0995
Marriott Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-369-6029
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Broccoli. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Know Your Produce		Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Baked Potato
Life Made Sweeter		Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Delish Knowledge		Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli
Pip & Ebby		Eggs with Broccoli and Tomatoes
Wine and Glue		Lighter Broccoli Cheese Soup
Bunny's Warm Oven		Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Hey Keto Mama		Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Mother Thyme		Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Pizza
Passion for Savings		Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup
Veggie Inspired		Velvety Green Vegetable Soup

the other 97...

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