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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Grower
Purple broccoli develops large, silvery-green leaves on stiff stems growing in whorls around a green central stalk. The plant produces a small, deep purple central head made of tiny flower sprouts, and nearly a dozen similarly sized heads on thinner stalks. Individual spears are harvested around 13 centimeters long for bunching and to promote the growth of additional heads. Purple broccoli offers a nutty, peppery flavor with the subtle sweetness and bitterness common to all Brassica vegetables.
Purple broccoli is available in the late winter and through the early spring months.
Purple broccoli is a sprouting type, and a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is botanically classified as Brassica oleracea var. italica and is an heirloom variety that was once called Asparagus broccoli by the infamous French seed catalog, Vilmorin. Purple broccoli, as with other cruciferous cultivars, is a cool season plant and is sometimes referred to as ‘winter sprouting broccoli.’ There are several different named cultivars of Purple broccoli, including Bordeaux, Claret, Nine Star, Red Arrow, Red Head and Red Spear.
Purple broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and a great source of vitamins K and A. It is also a good source of folates, B-complex vitamins, manganese and iron. Purple broccoli is a source of a moderate amount of dietary fiber, potassium, protein, calcium, copper, magnesium, and selenium, and contains trace amounts of zinc and sodium. It also contains phytonutrients and flavonoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which provide beneficial antioxidants.
Purple broccoli is more versatile than common broccoli as it is naturally more tender and cooks quickly under high heat while still retaining its textural integrity. It will, however, lose its purple hue due to the high heat. It can be sautéed, steamed, roasted, grilled and fried. It is well-suited for fresh eating alone or on a crudité platter. Add spears to pastas, risotto or use as a pizza topping. Purple broccoli's flavor marries well with seasonal spring companions such as leeks, kale, chicory, green garlic and citrus. Pair it with butter, olive oil, light-bodied vinegars, tomatoes, chiles, cured meats such as pancetta and prosciutto, flaky white fish, hard cheeses like parmesan and pecorino or fresh cheeses like chevre and feta. Store Purple broccoli wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Scientists believe the naturalist Pliny was referring to Purple broccoli when he described “Bruttium broccoli” in the first century CE. Bruttium refers to the land at the southernmost tip of Italy, or what is now Calabria. It has also been referred to as Christmas Calabrian broccoli. The word “Calabrese” is used to refer to heading varieties of green broccoli throughout Europe, in the United Kingdom and especially Italy. The term ‘Cape’ is often used to describe colored varieties of heading broccoli. In Italy, Ireland and the United Kingdom, the term ‘broccoli’ is used to refer to Purple broccoli and white sprouting types, including cauliflower.
Purple broccoli is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Central Asian region and was first cultivated in Southern Italy. Seeds for “Sprouting Purple broccoli” were first listed in the French Vilmorin-Andrieux seed catalog in 1885, which also introduced the colorful cultivar to the United States. Prior to the early 1980s, Purple broccoli was little known outside of England and Italy until two English breeders, Alan Gray and P. Crisp, began working on selecting hardier, better tasting plants and introduced seeds for an improved cultivar in 1985 that could be commercialized. Sprouting broccoli requires a longer growing season as they are planted in the late spring and not harvested until the winter or spring of the following year. The long length of time and multiple seasons it takes to bring crops to harvest can be cost, space and time prohibitive and Purple broccoli is not grown commercially. It is most likely spotted at farmer’s markets in Italy, United Kingdom and Southern California.
Recipes that include Purple Broccoli. One
is easiest,
three is harder.
People have shared Purple Broccoli using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Weiser Family Farms | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Purple broccoli develops large, silvery-green leaves on stiff stems growing in whorls around a green central stalk. The plant produces a small, deep purple central head made of tiny flower sprouts, and nearly a dozen similarly sized heads on thinner stalks. Individual spears are harvested around 13 centimeters long for bunching and to promote the growth of additional heads. Purple broccoli offers a nutty, peppery flavor with the subtle sweetness and bitterness common to all Brassica vegetables.
Seasons/Availability
Purple broccoli is available in the late winter and through the early spring months.
Current Facts
Purple broccoli is a sprouting type, and a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is botanically classified as Brassica oleracea var. italica and is an heirloom variety that was once called Asparagus broccoli by the infamous French seed catalog, Vilmorin. Purple broccoli, as with other cruciferous cultivars, is a cool season plant and is sometimes referred to as ‘winter sprouting broccoli.’ There are several different named cultivars of Purple broccoli, including Bordeaux, Claret, Nine Star, Red Arrow, Red Head and Red Spear.
Nutritional Value
Purple broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and a great source of vitamins K and A. It is also a good source of folates, B-complex vitamins, manganese and iron. Purple broccoli is a source of a moderate amount of dietary fiber, potassium, protein, calcium, copper, magnesium, and selenium, and contains trace amounts of zinc and sodium. It also contains phytonutrients and flavonoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which provide beneficial antioxidants.
Applications
Purple broccoli is more versatile than common broccoli as it is naturally more tender and cooks quickly under high heat while still retaining its textural integrity. It will, however, lose its purple hue due to the high heat. It can be sautéed, steamed, roasted, grilled and fried. It is well-suited for fresh eating alone or on a crudité platter. Add spears to pastas, risotto or use as a pizza topping. Purple broccoli's flavor marries well with seasonal spring companions such as leeks, kale, chicory, green garlic and citrus. Pair it with butter, olive oil, light-bodied vinegars, tomatoes, chiles, cured meats such as pancetta and prosciutto, flaky white fish, hard cheeses like parmesan and pecorino or fresh cheeses like chevre and feta. Store Purple broccoli wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Scientists believe the naturalist Pliny was referring to Purple broccoli when he described “Bruttium broccoli” in the first century CE. Bruttium refers to the land at the southernmost tip of Italy, or what is now Calabria. It has also been referred to as Christmas Calabrian broccoli. The word “Calabrese” is used to refer to heading varieties of green broccoli throughout Europe, in the United Kingdom and especially Italy. The term ‘Cape’ is often used to describe colored varieties of heading broccoli. In Italy, Ireland and the United Kingdom, the term ‘broccoli’ is used to refer to Purple broccoli and white sprouting types, including cauliflower.
Geography/History
Purple broccoli is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Central Asian region and was first cultivated in Southern Italy. Seeds for “Sprouting Purple broccoli” were first listed in the French Vilmorin-Andrieux seed catalog in 1885, which also introduced the colorful cultivar to the United States. Prior to the early 1980s, Purple broccoli was little known outside of England and Italy until two English breeders, Alan Gray and P. Crisp, began working on selecting hardier, better tasting plants and introduced seeds for an improved cultivar in 1985 that could be commercialized. Sprouting broccoli requires a longer growing season as they are planted in the late spring and not harvested until the winter or spring of the following year. The long length of time and multiple seasons it takes to bring crops to harvest can be cost, space and time prohibitive and Purple broccoli is not grown commercially. It is most likely spotted at farmer’s markets in Italy, United Kingdom and Southern California.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Broccoli. One
is easiest,
three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Purple 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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Queen Anne Farmers Market
Skinny Kitty Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesMount Vernon, WA About 173 days ago, 6/20/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful bodacious broccoli, so tender no need to cook! 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods market
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom0-207-406-3100 About 229 days ago, 4/26/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh British Purple Sprouting broccoli ! 
Snowgoose Produce
Snow Goose Produce
Near Mount Vernon, Washington, United StatesMt Vernon, WA About 236 days ago, 4/18/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful, tender, and nutritious :) 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Aja - Gloria Tamai
Near Venice, California, United States1-805-240-6306 About 240 days ago, 4/14/19 
University District Farmers Market
Kirsop Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesTumwater, WA About 241 days ago, 4/13/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful purple broccoli ready to saut� with garlic and devour! 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesOxnard, Ca 805-907-1706 About 577 days ago, 5/12/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Aja - Gloria Tamai
Near Venice, California, United StatesGloria Tamai 1-805-240-6306 About 597 days ago, 4/22/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Mar Vista Farmers Market. 
PCC Community Markets - Fremont
About 603 days ago, 4/16/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at PCC Community Markets - Fremont. A cross between broccoli and asparagus with thin edible stalks! 
Virginia Avenue Park Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Beverly Hills, California, United StatesOxnard, Ca 805-907-1706 About 612 days ago, 4/07/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Virginia Avenue Park Farmers Market. Beautiful color. 
PCC Community Markets - Fremont
About 620 days ago, 3/30/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at PCC Community Markets - Fremont. Purple variety tastes like a cross between broccoli and asparagus with edible stalks ;) 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 631 days ago, 3/19/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Specialty Produce. Grown by Weiser family Farms, located in Bakersfield, CA. 
Lane County Farmers Market
Near Eugene, Oregon, United StatesAbout 640 days ago, 3/10/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Lane County Farmers Market. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
About 650 days ago, 2/28/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 661 days ago, 2/17/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Specialty Produce. Stay tuned, this is just a teaser for next week when more volume will be in. Tender and sweet! Good Earth Natural Foods Fairfax CA Near San Rafael, California, United States About 665 days ago, 2/13/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Broccoli spotted at Good Earth Natural Foods Fairfax CA. |
