You may have walked past this green, prehistoric looking Cruciferous plant laying peacefully among the cauliflower, broccoli and radishes and questioned its existence. Is it real? Is it edible? Should I explore? We are here to tell you… you should!
Artfully crafted and native to Italy, the Romanesco, also known as Romanesco cauliflower, Romanesco broccoli or Broccolo Romanesco, is believed to have “been selectively bred since at least the 15th century… and was created by farmers using traditional cross-breeding techniques in the Lazio region of Italy,” according to Specialty Produce. While you may not see this a lot on menus or dinner tables, it is packed with flavors and health benefits that make it a must-try for any foodie who wants to venture out of the ordinary.
The Romanesco, according to Every-Foods.com, “sits right between broccoli and cauliflower, and possesses a delicate, slightly nutty flavor.” The perfect showstopper to any veggie platter or charcuterie board, Romanesco will bring its crunch and bold flavors to any savory board. To bring out its delicious flavors, Romanesco can be sautéed, roasted, blanched, baked or stir fried. Just make sure to not overcook, as this will breakdown it’s magnificent shape and vibrant colors!
Let’s not forget the fact that the Roamesco is chalked full of vitamins and minerals, making this a healthy addition to your diet. It is rich in vitamin C and contains folate, vitamin B, vitamin K and magnesium.
If you are looking to add a healthy, new and versatile culinary delight to your dishes, Romanesco might be just what you are looking for!
