Broccoli & Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower, both members of the cabbage family, have attractive, tightly budded tops that give them a distinctive air. Broccoli comes from Italy, where a sprouting species with long, leafy stems and small purple, white or green florets is commonly cultivated. Popular in the United States is another variety, called Italian green broccoli or Calabrese, which looks like a small cauliflower with a dark green, compact head. Chinese broccoli, sometimes called Chinese kale, has a long thin stem and few buds, and is very different from European varieties. In Asia, it is seasoned with hot spices and paired with bland foods which act as a good foil for the peppery broccoli taste.