Cooking Broccoflower

Maybe you’ve been lured in by some of the fabulous seasonal produce at a farmers market. Maybe you’ve joined a CSA. Maybe you’ve heard good things about broccoflower, or tried them at a restaurant and you’d like to introduce them into the home meal rotation.

And maybe you don’t know exactly how to cook (or shop for or store or prepare) some of the vegetables and fruit you bought home. Like broccoflower.

So highly fixable! Let’s go!

And then you might also be curious about:

• How to Cook Butternut Squash
• How to Cook Pears
• How to Cook Pumpkins
• How to Cook Zucchini and Summer Squash
• How to Cook Kohlrabi

What Is Broccoflower?

Broccoli and cauliflower are cousins in the cruciferous family, Brassica oleracea, which includes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. It is the result of a cross-pollination between broccoli and cauliflower, a hybrid vegetable. It is not a GMO vegetable, in that no technology was applied to create this hybrid, but it was an intentional cross-pollination. The result is these two attractive and delicious broccoflower varieties.

 

What Does Broccoflower Look Like?

There are two green-tinted cauliflower-ish vegetables you might see labeled broccoflower. One looks essentially like a head of regular white cauliflower that has been dyed a vivid green. The other looks like a pointy green cauliflower, usually a brighter hue, with a spiky pyramid-like appearance (see above), and florets that are also jagged in shape. This is also known as Romenesco Broccoli, or Roman Cauliflower.

 

What Does Broccoflower Taste Like?

Either variety can be cooked or eaten raw, and have a slightly sweeter and less bitter taste than either regular cauliflower or broccoli. The texture is nice and firm.

How Do You Cook Broccoflower?

You don’t necessarily have to find a broccoflower recipe. They can be cooked in the same way as broccoli and cauliflower – steamed, boiled, roasted, sautéed — and so can be substituted in any pretty much any recipes that calls for one or the other. And they make a nice conversation ingredient (green cauliflower? spikes?!), and may intrigue the kids as well.

How Do You Know Which Broccoflower to Buy (and Where is Broccoflower in the Market)?

Look for broccoflower in the produce aisle, usually near the cauliflower and broccoli. Look for tight, firm heads with no brown spots. The heads should feel heavy for their size. If there are leaves attached, make sure they look fresh and crisp.

How Do You Store Broccoflower?

Broccoflower can be stored in a plastic bag for up to 6 days in the refrigerator. Do not rinse with water until you are ready to prepare it.

When Is Broccoflower in Season?

Broccoflower is in season in fall through mid to late winter, and in some warmer climates the season extends to early spring.

Is Broccoflower Nutritious?

Broccoflower is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, and a good source of folic acids and other minerals. It is also high in fiber and low in calories; 35 calories in a cup. Cruciferous vegetables are believed to contain compounds that help the body resist certain types of cancer.

Broccoflower Recipes

Try broccoflower in these recipes, instead of the broccoli or cauliflower!

• Roasted Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts and Leeks with Spicy Drizzle
• Farro with Grilled Broccoli and Sweet Onions
• Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots with Olive Drizzle
• Braised Cauliflower with Anchovies and Capers
• Sauteed and Braised Cauliflower with Mustard Seeds and Green Peppercorns