Ortofrutticola

PRODUCT INFO 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. Broccoli is a versatile ingredient well-suited for both raw and cooked applications, including steaming, boiling, roasting, baking, frying, and sauteing. 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. USES 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. Season Broccoli is available year-round, with a peak season in the late fall through early spring.

Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family along with Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, rutabaga, turnips and bok choy. These vegetables all contain a compound that produces a strong, distinct odor that some find unappealing.

Belstar An organic hybrid, Belstar broccoli is ideal for spring or summer planting. It's stress-tolerant and produces a large central head, along with numerous smaller side shoots. 1. Calabrese Known as American or Italian broccoli, Calabrese is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow variety. It produces bluish-green heads and can be harvested in either summer or autumn, depending on the planting time. 2. Destiny Destiny is a heat-tolerant variety that's a good source of Vitamins A and C. This mid-early, compact variety features medium-small green beads and a smooth dome shape. It's suited for fall harvest when planted in summer. 3. DiCicco An old-fashioned variety, DiCicco is sweet and often considered the ancestor of larger broccoli heads. The entire plant, including stems and leaves, is edible, making it versatile for cooking. 4. Eastern Magic A super-producer variety bred for the northeast US and Canada, Eastern Magic produces a blue-green crown with a tangy, nutty, buttery flavor. It's known for being a strong performer in colder climates. 5. Green Magic This hybrid heading broccoli matures in around 60 days from transplanting. It produces large, densely-packed heads and is perfect for abundant harvests during warm spring temperatures. 6. Purple Sprouting This hardy variety can tolerate temperatures as low as -12C and is sown in March to be harvested in early winter or from April to mid-June for a harvest between January and May. It thrives in heavy, alkaline soils. 7. Romanesco Romanesco broccoli is unique due to its chartreuse color and distinctive fractal-like appearance. It's an edible flower bud from the Brassica oleracea species, known for its visually striking form. 8. Sun King Famous for its heat tolerance and delicious flavor, Sun King produces blue-green heads about 6-8 inches in diameter, with several side shoots. It reaches maturity in around 70 days. 9. Waltham 29 Developed to withstand colder temperatures, Waltham 29 is perfect for the Pacific Northwest and East Coast. The plants grow up to 20 inches tall, producing medium to large blue-green heads on long stalks.