SafePlants

Purple Sprouting Broccoli: A Springtime Delight

Purple sprouting broccoli is a vibrant and nutritious vegetable that's particularly popular in early spring. It offers a unique flavor and visual appeal to a variety of dishes.

Common and Scientific Names

• Common Names: Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Sprouting Broccoli
• Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica (Italica Group)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae)
• Taxonomic Rank: Variety (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
• Note: The text refers to "Italica Group", indicating a cultivar group within the species.

Distribution and Habitat

• While initially cultivated by the Romans, purple sprouting broccoli has gained prominence in the UK in recent years.
• It is often grown in home gardens and may even be seen on balconies.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• This variety of broccoli has purple-green florets and grows on slender, leafy stems of varying lengths, giving it a slightly wild look.
• It has large (10 to 20 cm) green heads and thick stalks.
• Sprouting broccoli has a larger number of heads with many thin stalks.

Cultivation

• Purple sprouting broccoli is considered a cool season annual crop.
• Ideally Purple Sprouting Broccoli likes a firm, rich, heavy soil (but not clay).

Culinary Uses

• Purple sprouting broccoli is typically served cooked, often as a side vegetable.
• It can be boiled, steamed, stir-fried, or roasted.
• It is suitable for use in quiches, salads, stir-fries, and various oriental dishes.
• It pairs well with flavors like garlic, chilli, anchovy, lemon, sesame, and blood orange.

Seasonal Availability

• Purple sprouting broccoli is typically at its best between February and April.
• Some varieties, like 'Summer Purple' and 'Santee F1' are bred for summer cropping, or cropping from June through November
• The variety 'Red Arrow' is very hardy and crops over a long period.

Nutritional Value

• An 80g serving counts as 1 portion of your 5 a day fruit and vegetables.
• Purple-sprouting broccoli is exceptionally healthy and delicious.

Further Information

• BBC Good Food, BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Riverford Organic, Sainsbury's, Natoora, Sarah Raven, Tesco Real Food and Liz Earle Wellbeing are all referenced as resources for recipes, growing guides, or purchasing options.