Spigarello broccoli is a particularly interesting variety of ordinary broccoli that has recently gained popularity.
It’s time for this forgotten broccoli to shine! This vegetable has some unique properties compared to other types of broccoli. Spigarello is a type of broccolo ramoso cauliflower variety, also called sprouting broccoli or cauliflower sprout.
This member of the Brassica oleracea family grows in compact clusters with many small shoots emerging from one large main stem. The flavor profile is similar to cauliflower but with a sweeter taste and a more tender texture.
If you want to grow and process your own spigarello, read on for all you need to know about this exciting veggie!
What’s So Special About Spigarello Broccoli?
This broccoli is a delicious variety of broccoli with a few unique traits. First, it has higher yields than other broccoli varieties.
Growing it is uncomplicated and well-suited to many different climates, soil types, and seasons. Spigarello has a unique growth pattern compared to other broccolis.
Instead of forming a single crown of florets, spigarello creates many smaller shoots that grow out from the main stem. This makes harvesting the broccoli easier, as you can cut it off in small pieces instead of cutting off a large crown.
This type of broccoli also has a milder flavor than other varieties of broccoli, making it an excellent choice for those who aren’t big on the strong taste of regular broccoli.
And finally, this veggie is a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, potassium, and fiber.
Types And Varieties
Spigarello broccoli varieties are usually identified by their color. The most common types are green, blue, purple, and sometimes white.
Blue spigarello broccoli is one of the newest varieties, with a deep blue-green hue. This type of spigarello has a rich and creamy taste. Blue spigarello broccoli is also a good source of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that fights free radicals.
Blue spigarello broccoli is easy to grow; therefore, it is a suitable variety even for beginner gardeners. You can harvest it in late summer through fall. Blue spigarello is best eaten raw or steamed. It pairs well with fish and can be used in salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, and more.
Green spigarello broccoli is the most common type and is easy to find at your local grocery store and farmers’ market. It has a mild flavor and is also easy to grow.
Green spigarello broccoli is a well-known source of vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber. Green spigarello broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked. It tastes delicious in salads and goes well with eggs and cheese.
Purple spigarello broccoli is a rich purple-red color with a taste that is somewhere between broccoli and cabbage. It’s rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants and is a good source of dietary fiber. Purple spigarello broccoli is best eaten steamed, boiled, or sautéed. It’s also good in salads and goes well with meat dishes.
White spigarello broccoli is a rare variety that is white in color. It’s similar in taste and texture to regular broccoli and can be eaten raw or cooked. White spigarello broccoli is rich in vitamin C and a great source of dietary fiber.
How to Grow Spigarello?
As mentioned before, growing this broccoli is very easy and can be done anywhere; even if you live in a small apartment, you can grow this delicious veggie!
First, choose where to grow this vegetable. It will thrive in loose, well-draining soil with a pH that is between 6.5 and 7.5. It also does well in raised beds and containers.
It can be grown as a fall veggie in warm climates and as a spring or fall vegetable in colder areas. Spigarello is best grown in full sun so that it can grow its large florets. And it requires plenty of water, so be sure to water your broccoli well.
When To Harvest Spigarello Broccoli?
When it comes to harvesting this type of broccoli, it’s best to wait until the florets at the top of the stem are about 3 inches in diameter.
To harvest, simply remove the broccoli leaves as they grow. Spigarello broccoli will keep growing throughout the summer and fall, and you can keep harvesting it until the first frost.
So, if you have enough space, you can grow and harvest this veggie for months!
How Do You Store This Type Of Broccoli?
You can store fresh broccoli in the fridge for up to 7 days. If you purchase broccoli in the late fall or winter when it’s not in season, you can store it in a cool, dry place (about 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) for a bit longer.
Dehydrating broccoli will also preserve it for up to one year. When you’re ready to use the dried broccoli, you can rehydrate it by soaking it in water for a couple of hours. You can also turn broccoli into a powder by grinding it up in a food processor or coffee grinder.
There are couple more ways to store broccoli for a more extended period. You can keep it in a sealed plastic bag in your refrigerator. You can also freeze broccoli for up to 3 months. When you want to use frozen broccoli, let it thaw in the fridge.
As mentioned, if you want to dehydrate broccoli, you can also do that. To make spigarello powder, you need to dry broccoli florets in a food dehydrator. When you see that broccoli is dry already, remove it from the dehydrator and let it cool. Grind the roasted broccoli into a powder, and that’s it.
How To Cook With It?
Spigarello broccoli is delicious raw or lightly cooked. You can use it in a great variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, and even soups.
Spigarello can also be baked or sautéed. It pairs well with fish, cheese, eggs, bacon, and more. And spigarello broccoli is a great veggie to eat in the fall and winter when other veggies aren’t in season.
Spigarello broccoli is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, potassium, and fiber. It is also a low-calorie food.
Conclusion
Spigarello broccoli is a delicious and easy-to-grow variety of broccoli. It’s an excellent choice for beginner gardeners, as it is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Spigarello broccoli has a milder flavor than other broccoli types and can be harvested for months. It is best eaten raw or lightly cooked. Spigarello is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is a low-calorie food.
You can use it in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, and more. Spigarello is a fun and interesting type of broccoli that is perfect for the fall and winter months.
