Broccoli is a green vegetable belonging to the cruciferous family, closely related to cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. It features a large, dense cluster of edible flower buds, known as the "crown," that sits atop a thick stalk. The buds are typically deep green and sometimes have a slight purple tint. Broccoli has a crisp texture when raw and becomes tender when cooked, with a flavor that is slightly bitter and earthy, yet mild and nutty. The entire plant is edible, including the stalks and leaves.
Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable that combines broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan). It has long, slender stalks and small, delicate florets, resembling a miniature version of broccoli with a more tender and refined appearance. The flavor of broccolini is milder and slightly sweeter than broccoli, with a subtle peppery note. Both the stalks and florets are edible, making it versatile for cooking. Broccolini is often sautéed, steamed, grilled, or roasted and pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces.
Available year round, local in late winter to early spring
Brussels sprouts are small, round vegetables that look like miniature cabbages. They grow in clusters along a thick stalk and are typically about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Brussels sprouts have tightly packed, green leaves and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor, with a hint of bitterness. When cooked, they become tender and can develop a sweet, caramelized taste, especially when roasted or sautéed.
Green cabbage is a leafy vegetable with a round, dense head made up of tightly packed, pale green leaves. The outer leaves are usually darker green, while the inner leaves are lighter, almost white. Green cabbage has a crisp texture when raw and a mildly peppery, slightly sweet flavor. When cooked, it becomes tender and develops a more mellow, earthy taste. It's versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from salads and slaws to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Red cabbage is a vibrant, cruciferous vegetable known for its deep purple-red leaves and round, dense head. It has a similar texture to green cabbage, with crisp, crunchy leaves that become tender when cooked. The flavor of red cabbage is slightly more peppery and robust compared to green cabbage, with a subtle sweetness. When cooked, it can develop a slightly sweeter and milder taste, especially if braised or sautéed. Red cabbage is often used in salads, slaws, and pickled dishes, and it also adds a colorful and nutritious element to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable with a dense, creamy-white head, known as the "curd," surrounded by large, green leaves. The curd is composed of tightly packed florets and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a subtle, earthy undertone. When raw, cauliflower has a crisp texture, but it becomes tender and more flavorful when cooked, taking on a creamy or nutty taste depending on the cooking method.
Carnival cauliflower is a mixed case of cauliflower, including 2 purple, 2 orange, 2 and green, each with its own unique flavor and nutritional benefits:
Purple Cauliflower: Features a striking purple color due to anthocyanins, the same pigments found in red cabbage and berries. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and retains its color when cooked, although it may turn a bit more muted.
Orange Cauliflower: Known for its bright orange hue, this variety gets its color from beta-carotene, which is also found in carrots. It has a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor compared to white cauliflower...
Radicchio is a type of leafy chicory known for its distinctive deep red or purple leaves with white veins. It has a slightly bitter flavor, which can mellow when cooked. Radicchio is often used in salads, grilled dishes, or roasted as a side vegetable. It adds a pop of color and a unique taste to various dishes, pairing well with sweet or savory ingredients.
Belgian endive is a leafy vegetable with tightly packed, elongated leaves that have a slightly bitter flavor. The leaves are typically pale white with red or pale yellow tips and a crisp texture. Belgian endive is often grown in the dark to prevent the leaves from turning green and developing more bitterness. It can be eaten raw in salads, grilled, roasted, or braised, and is popular in both European and American cuisines for its subtle, slightly nutty taste and versatility in cooking.