How Many Different Types of Broccoli are There? If you enjoy healthy eating and cooking, then broccoli is one of those vegetables you need to have on hand.
This veggie famous for its tiny tree-like shape has nearly twenty different types; here, we’ll tell you all about them.
Broccoli is one of those veggies that, as we get older, we love more and more. Whether you love it or not, broccoli has tons of health benefits; it’s high in fiber and iron, has vitamin C and A, and of course if widely praised for having anti-cancer properties.
Broccoli is a great addition to numerous recipes across different cuisines. So, get your broccoli knowledge down and learn about its different types to get the best out of this versatile veggie at home.
Types Of Broccoli
Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family; this sturdy vegetable is found in different shades of green and is closely related to cauliflower.
It is actually an Italian word that means the sprout of the cabbage. Check out 19 different types of broccoli and you can also find out how to harvest broccoli.
Arcadia Broccoli
Arcadia presents small and consistent heads; it takes about two months to be just right to be consumed. It is a green color that seems slightly purple and thrives in cold weather.
Calabrese Broccoli
This type of broccoli is best grown during the fall season. Calabrese has a medium size, bright green color, and has a great sweet taste with equally great texture. It takes a little over two months for calabrese to be ready for consumption.
Amadeus Broccoli
Unlike other types, Amadeus matures in less than two months, and it shows compact and rigid heads that are a bit smaller than others. Amadeus offers a delicious flavor and is of a green and blue shade.
Blue Wind Broccoli
This type of broccoli is green and blue, and is its heads are large in size. You can enjoy it after 60 days, and it is a good idea if served steamed or braised.
De Cicco Heirloom Broccoli
De Cicco’s heirloom is done in under 50 days. However, it is smaller in size compared to other types. It comes as a great recommendation for the nursery. It is a great option for any broccoli recipe.
Gypsy Broccoli
Gypsy broccoli is easy to grow to make it one of the most famous types of broccoli. This type of broccoli has crispy green heads that are medium in size and are simply delish and the handles.
Types of Mid-Season Broccoli
Belstar Broccoli
This mid-season broccoli type offers a great taste and texture, thanks to its compact heads, making it a popular option. It is around for both fall and spring.
Diplomat Broccoli
The diplomat is a good choice to grow in cold weather; it is of a dark green shade with consistent head sizes that grow up to six inches. It takes diplomats over two months to mature.
Express Broccoli
For Express broccoli to be ready, it takes nearly 80 days. Its main characteristic consists of having numerous side shots and its green and somewhat blue color.
Fiesta Broccoli
Fiesta has hefty heads and stems that offer great form and taste; it takes about 70 days to be ready, and growing it after the summer is best.
Marathon Broccoli
Marathon is perfect for your every broccoli need and is best to grow it in the fall, making it over two months to be fully matured. This type of broccoli is a favorite of people who live in Northern California.
Waltham 29 Broccoli
Also called the heirloom broccoli offers a great flavor, the heads of Waltham grow to be around six inches, and it is of blue and green color. You should plant Waltham during the fall or spring; it will take around 70 days to be ready.
Types of Chinese Broccoli
Happy Rich
This crossbreed type of broccoli comes with numerous side shoots and big heads. It is a great option for your home garden and table after it is ready in around 55 days, promising to fulfill every broccoli need.
Kailaan
Kailaan is another type of Chinese broccoli, and it is considered to offer one of the best tastes; it takes around 60 days to mature and grows to be around 8 inches in diameter. Kailaan does not do well in hot weather.
Suiho
This is another hybrid broccoli type; it is a regular option for high-temperature areas, taking it around 44 days for this plant to fully mature.
Types of Specialty Broccoli
Apollo
This type of broccoli can mature up to 90 days, producing numerous side shoots for you to enjoy later. Apollo does well in cold areas.
Broccolini
Broccolini originates from the side shoot after broccoli has been harvested. It may have smaller heads, but its handles are ideal for munching on, and you can cook it just like you would regular broccoli.
Romanesco Broccoli
This type of broccoli is of green and yellowish shade; it seems like a hybrid of broccoli and cauliflower. It is lovely to look at and offers a delightful taste. Romanesco takes about 75 days to be ready.
Santee Broccoli
Bet you never thought there was purple broccoli! Santee is of bright purple color heads and green stems that are attractive to look at and incredibly tender and tasty. This type of broccoli is best to grow during the winter to avoid a bitter taste. And just like magic, the heads will turn green after they have been cooked.
How To Keep Broccoli Fresh?
Most of the produce we get from the market goes right into the fridge, and broccoli is no exception. To keep your broccoli fresh, you should store it inside the refrigerator. If properly stored, broccoli can last up to four days. As you can see, broccoli won’t last long, so it needs to be consumed quickly.
How To Store Broccoli So It Stays Fresh For Longer?
There are a couple of ways you can store your broccoli so you can be certain it will remain as fresh as possible for as long as possible.
Materials:
- Paper towel
Steps:
- Moist the unwashed heads
- Wrap loosely in damp paper towels
- Place in the fridge
The second way you can store your broccoli is known as the bouquet method. Imagine your flowers are a pretty bouquet. Using this method, your broccoli will be good for up to five days.
Materials:
- Water
- Vase or glass jar
Steps:
- Fill a glass jar with a few inches of water
- Place the broccoli, stems down into the jar
- Put away in the fridge and make sure you change the water daily
Can You Freeze Broccoli?
You can absolutely keep your broccoli frozen. To freeze your washed, blanched broccoli florets, you can choose to do it using freezer bags or a parchment-lined tray, and only after a couple of hours in the freezer, arrange into air-tight freezer bags. This is effective only if the broccoli is dehydrated.
You should know this because if there’s any water on the broccoli before freezing it, it will freeze into a large pile, and you won’t be able to separate it. After bagging broccoli, make sure to move the pieces, so it becomes flat and freezes fast.
If you wish to freeze broccoli, follow a few simple steps:
- Wash broccoli
- Cut it to obtain several florets
- Steam or blanch for a few minutes
- Dump the florets into ice water to halt the cooking
- Drain
- Transfer into sealed freezer bags or containers
You can keep your broccoli frozen for up to one year. You can still consume it after that time, but its quality will not be the same.
What To Do With Broccoli Before It Goes Bad?
If you notice a change in texture, smell, or color, even if it is stored in your fridge, you should probably get rid of the broccoli immediately.
However, before it goes bad, there are many ways you can enjoy this wholesome vegetable; check out some of our favorite recipe ideas using broccoli below.
