Broccoli originates from the Calabria region of Italy, which is why it is sometimes called calabrese.

Calabrese is the variety we see most often here in the UK, but you can also find varieties like purple sprouting broccoli, Tenderstem® and Bellaverde®.

There is a wealth of research which suggests that broccoli is helpful in the prevention of certain cancers, in particular prostate cancer.

Buying and storing

Choose heads without yellow/brown patches and a firm stalk. Store in the fridge.

How to cook

Cut the broccoli into florets discarding the thick part of the stem. Steaming retains the maximum number of nutrients, but broccoli can also be roasted or stir fried, or eaten raw with dips or in salads.

Broccoli loves

Blue cheese, cumin, coriander, soy sauce, pasta

In season

May – November