Follow the Path of a Mediterranean Staple to American Kitchens
History
Broccoli belongs to the Brassica Genus and relates to cabbage. Genetically, it is indistinguishable from the other Brassicas like cauliflower and kale. Humans bred the whole cabbage family from wild mustards.
Historians believe it came from the Tuscany region in Italy. The Etruscans first cultivated broccoli about 2600 years ago. They intended to hybridize an early-blooming cabbage.
The Anglo world had no awareness of broccoli until about the 1700s. While Thomas Jefferson experimented with it, it remained obscure at that time. It took until the 1920s to become a popular food among Italian immigrants.
California produces most of this country’s broccoli. China produces and consumes the most in the world. It contains lots of nutrients like high protein, Vitamin C, and Iron. Try it in a soup or stir-fry.
Details
✍️ Scientific name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
📍 USDA Zones: 2 to 11
🧑🌾 Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
🍽 Flavor: Bitter, crunchy, earthy, grassy, mild, sweet
🥗 Uses: Food
💪 Nutrition: Carbs, calcium, fiber, potassium, protein, Vitamins A, B6, C, iron, manganese
🌎 Origin: Italy
🌱 Related: Arugula, Beets, Bok choi, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi Mustard, Radishes
🌿 Companions: Aromatic herbs, beans, beets, borage, cabbage, celery, chamomile, cucumber, dill, garlic, lettuce, marigold, marjoram, nasturtium, onions, parsley, peas, pennyroyal, potatoes, rosemary, sage
🚫 Avoid near: Beans, brassicas, peppers, rue, strawberries, tomatoes
🐛 Pests: Aphids, Cabbage Loopers, Cabbage Maggot, Cabbage Worms, Cutworms, Diamondback Moth, Downy Mildew, Flea Beetles, Harlequin Bug, Painted Bug Whiteflies
🐝 Pollinators: Bees
🎃 Varieties:
Broccoli comes in a variety of types, including heading, sprouting, and Romanesco varieties. Here are some notable ones:
Heading Broccoli (Traditional Large Heads)
Calabrese – An Italian heirloom with large, deep green heads and a long harvest period.
Waltham 29 – A cold-hardy variety that produces medium to large heads with many side shoots.
Green Magic – A hybrid known for heat tolerance and smooth, uniform heads.
Belstar – A compact variety that thrives in both spring and fall plantings.
Marathon – A reliable, frost-resistant variety great for overwintering in mild climates.
Sprouting Broccoli (Multiple Small Florets)
Purple Sprouting Broccoli – A cold-hardy variety with small, purple florets that turn green when cooked.
Santee – A high-yielding purple sprouting broccoli with a long harvest window.
Summer Purple – A heat-tolerant version of purple sprouting broccoli, ideal for warm climates.
Burgundy – A vibrant purple-flowered variety with excellent flavor and long production.
Claret – A late-season, deep purple sprouting broccoli with great disease resistance.
Romanesco Broccoli (Unique Spiral-Shaped Heads)
Romanesco – A stunning green, fractal-patterned broccoli with a nutty, sweet flavor.
Veronica – A hybrid Romanesco with uniform growth and excellent disease resistance.
Puntoverde – A high-yielding, early-maturing Romanesco variety.
Minaret – A medium-sized Romanesco with tightly packed spirals.
Natalino – A traditional Italian Romanesco known for its striking appearance and rich taste.
Specialty & Unique Broccoli Varieties
Aspabroc (Broccolini) – A hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale, with long, tender stems and small florets.
Happy Rich – A broccolini-type variety with dark green stems and a mild, sweet taste.
De Cicco – An old Italian variety that produces smaller, loose heads and lots of side shoots.
Apollo – A heat-tolerant variety that produces abundant side shoots after the main head is harvested.
Rabe (Broccoli Raab/Rapini) – A leafy, bitter broccoli relative often used in Italian cuisine.
Growth & Harvest
Find a place with full sunlight - at least 6-8 hours per day. Remember - right plant, right place. Once you find your spot, mulch in some compost to feed your broccoli.
When do you sow seed? Plant broccoli about 85-100 days before your first average fall frost. Start your plants with this in mind.
They want soil between 6-6.8 pH. Loamy, well-draining soil works best. Set transplants about 18 inches apart and space rows every 24 inches.
Folklore
While broccoli itself doesn't have as many direct ties to folklore as other plants, it holds a place in the cultural practices and beliefs of many communities due to its long history and nutritional significance. In ancient times, particularly in Italy, vegetables like broccoli were often seen as symbols of vitality and well-being. Though not tied to specific deities or myths, the cultivation of broccoli was deeply connected to the rhythm of the seasons, and its growth marked a time of abundance.
In some European traditions, it was believed that certain vegetables, including broccoli, could protect against illnesses or bring good fortune, particularly when consumed during times of change, such as the harvest season. There were also beliefs surrounding the beneficial powers of broccoli, especially its ability to strengthen the body, improve health, and enhance fertility. The connection between broccoli and the harvest also led to associations with prosperity, as it was a reliable crop for many farmers.
In contemporary culture, broccoli is often regarded as a symbol of health, its dense nutrition representing strength and vitality. It is frequently featured in modern folklore related to healthy eating and wellness, becoming a central figure in stories that promote good nutrition and plant-based living. Though it might not have specific mythological stories, broccoli’s symbolic role in modern society as a "superfood" reflects its longstanding connection to vitality and the earth.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets
EVOO
Red Pepper Flakes
Salt and Pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place broccoli on a sheet single-layer.
Toss with other ingredients.
Roast for 15 minutes or until edges are browned.
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