Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Grower
Baby broccoli produces smaller central heads with longer, thinner stalks than heading broccoli. Several stalks emerge from the central head once it has been harvested and the plant continues to produce dozens of side shoots of nearly equal size over an extended period. The thin stalks are 5 to 9 centimeters long topped with loose florets. Baby broccoli has a tender texture and offers a mild, sweet flavor with subtle bitter notes. The entire plant is edible.
Baby broccoli are available in the winter and through late spring months.
Baby broccoli, also known as Sprouting Calabrese broccoli, is scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. italica. Broccoli comes in two common forms: Sprouting broccoli and heading broccoli, which is also known as cauliflower broccoli, as its shape resembles the same dense curd shape as cauliflower. Baby broccoli is often confused for broccolini, which is a hybrid of two Brassica species and is unrelated to the heirloom, Italian Calabrese broccoli variety.
Baby broccoli is a great source of vitamins A, C and K and is a good source of folate, B-complex vitamins, iron and manganese. It is also a source of potassium, fiber, protein and calcium, copper, selenium, magnesium, and trace amounts of zinc and sodium. The cruciferous vegetable also contains beneficial antioxidants in the forms of carotenoids, phytonutrients and the flavonoids lutein and zeaxanthin.
Baby broccoli is prepared much like heading broccoli and is sautéed, steamed, roasted, grilled and fried. The stalks and florets are more tender than heading broccoli and cook faster. They are used raw as an appetizer, dipped in sauces or hummus or grilled and wrapped with prosciutto. Stalks are cut into shorter lengths and added to pasta and risotto dishes or used as pizza toppings. Baby broccoli pairs well with garlic, dried chiles, butter, light-bodied vinegars, lemon, cured meats, and flaky white fish. Baby broccoli can be blanched and pureed for soups, sauces and dips. The sprouting florets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, while blanched florets can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Broccoli means “little sprouts” in Italian. In Italy, the word broccoli is used to refer to the floral shoots on any type of brassica plant, including cabbages and turnips.
Baby broccoli is native to Italy but has its origins in the western Mediterranean region and Middle East. The variety is named for the Italian province of Calabria, where it is a part of many local dishes. Italian immigrants brought seeds for Sprouting broccoli to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries where a commercial market was eventually established. Baby broccoli is commonplace in Italy and at farmers markets and some grocers in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Europe and the United States. In Italy and Britain, Baby broccoli is sold under the name Calabrese broccoli or Sprouting broccoli.
Recipes that include Baby Broccoli. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Baby Broccoli using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Description/Taste
Baby broccoli produces smaller central heads with longer, thinner stalks than heading broccoli. Several stalks emerge from the central head once it has been harvested and the plant continues to produce dozens of side shoots of nearly equal size over an extended period. The thin stalks are 5 to 9 centimeters long topped with loose florets. Baby broccoli has a tender texture and offers a mild, sweet flavor with subtle bitter notes. The entire plant is edible.
Seasons/Availability
Baby broccoli are available in the winter and through late spring months.
Current Facts
Baby broccoli, also known as Sprouting Calabrese broccoli, is scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. italica. Broccoli comes in two common forms: Sprouting broccoli and heading broccoli, which is also known as cauliflower broccoli, as its shape resembles the same dense curd shape as cauliflower. Baby broccoli is often confused for broccolini, which is a hybrid of two Brassica species and is unrelated to the heirloom, Italian Calabrese broccoli variety.
Nutritional Value
Baby broccoli is a great source of vitamins A, C and K and is a good source of folate, B-complex vitamins, iron and manganese. It is also a source of potassium, fiber, protein and calcium, copper, selenium, magnesium, and trace amounts of zinc and sodium. The cruciferous vegetable also contains beneficial antioxidants in the forms of carotenoids, phytonutrients and the flavonoids lutein and zeaxanthin.
Applications
Baby broccoli is prepared much like heading broccoli and is sautéed, steamed, roasted, grilled and fried. The stalks and florets are more tender than heading broccoli and cook faster. They are used raw as an appetizer, dipped in sauces or hummus or grilled and wrapped with prosciutto. Stalks are cut into shorter lengths and added to pasta and risotto dishes or used as pizza toppings. Baby broccoli pairs well with garlic, dried chiles, butter, light-bodied vinegars, lemon, cured meats, and flaky white fish. Baby broccoli can be blanched and pureed for soups, sauces and dips. The sprouting florets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, while blanched florets can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Broccoli means “little sprouts” in Italian. In Italy, the word broccoli is used to refer to the floral shoots on any type of brassica plant, including cabbages and turnips.
Geography/History
Baby broccoli is native to Italy but has its origins in the western Mediterranean region and Middle East. The variety is named for the Italian province of Calabria, where it is a part of many local dishes. Italian immigrants brought seeds for Sprouting broccoli to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries where a commercial market was eventually established. Baby broccoli is commonplace in Italy and at farmers markets and some grocers in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Europe and the United States. In Italy and Britain, Baby broccoli is sold under the name Calabrese broccoli or Sprouting broccoli.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Broccoli. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Baby 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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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 14 days ago, 1/08/22 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli from Weiser Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 26 days ago, 12/26/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli from Weiser Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 62 days ago, 11/21/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli from Weiser Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 64 days ago, 11/19/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli from Weiser Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 77 days ago, 11/06/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli from Weiser Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 77 days ago, 11/06/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli from Weiser Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 79 days ago, 11/04/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli just in from Weiser Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 253 days ago, 5/14/21 Sharer's comments : Baby broccoli from Weiser Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 290 days ago, 4/07/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 311 days ago, 3/17/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 323 days ago, 3/04/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Broccoli from Fresno Evergreens 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 327 days ago, 3/01/21 Sharer's comments : Broccoli baby 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 353 days ago, 2/03/21 
Hayward Wisconsin
Hayward Farmers Market
Wisconsin, United States15886 US hwy 63 Hayward WI 54843 About 488 days ago, 9/21/20 
Hayward Farmers Market
Hayward Farmers Market
Wisconsin, United States15886 US hwy 63 Hayward WI 54843 About 572 days ago, 6/29/20 Sharer's comments : Sweet and tender! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 720 days ago, 2/01/20 Sharer's comments : Baby broccoli in season now. The cuteness abounds. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 724 days ago, 1/29/20 Sharer's comments : Sweet sweet baby broccoli in house |
