Plant of the Week: Broccoli Raab

Common Name: Broccoli Raab, Rapini, Broccoli Rabe, Cima de rapa, etc. (Click for picture)
Latin Name: Brassica rapa sb. rapa
Origin: usually considered Italian, some sources say China

The best way to describe broccoli raab is that it is like a cross between a broccoli plant and a turnip plant. The leaves look more like a turnip, and the lifespan of the plant is much more reminiscent of a turnip. But the silly thing does have some little florets amongst the leaves that are like broccoli. It has a strong, sharp flavor that some say is an acquired taste. (But then, I think most people feel that broccoli and turnips are also acquired tastes...)

Broccoli raab is usually planted in the spring for an early crop and again in mid- to late-summer for a fall crop. It takes about 45-60 days to reach maturity from seed. You want to harvest the leaves and florets together and use them all. Here's a link to some recipes:

http://www.mariquita.com/recipes/broccoli%20raab.html