Organic Broccoli - Early Purple

Seeds:  150  / Botanical name:  Brassica oleracea

A splash of purple for delicious raw vegetable platters

The succulent, flavorful purple spears of the Early Purple variety are produced in abundance from the end of March. Since the buds turn green when cooked, this variety is particularly well-suited as a colorful addition to crudité platters.

Natural habitat:  It originated in Asia Minor. This vegetable has been cultivated in Europe since the 16th century.

Culinary uses:  As with cauliflower, the flower heads, stem bases, stems, and leaves are edible. The stalk has the aroma of green asparagus. This is why broccoli was formerly also known as asparagus cabbage. You can harvest broccoli as soon as the flower buds are well-developed but still closed. Cut off the still-closed flower heads with their 10 to 15-centimeter-long stems and leaves. However, allow the plant to continue growing, as further small flower heads will develop from the side buds. Broccoli should be stored in a cool, dark place, wrapped in cling film in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator, and for no longer than three days. Broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked. Cut the head, florets, and peeled stalk into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Broccoli is best served on a crudité platter with a flavorful dip or blanched in boiling salted water for two minutes until crisp-tender.