Purple Broccoli: Description, Flavor, Benefits, And Uses

As far as veggies are concerned, there are few which rival the greatness (I mean it) of broccoli. It checks all the boxes you can think of- is cheap, nutritious and can be used in a variety of ways. Broccoli was literally, the unofficial poster boy of the health wave that took over social media in the pre Covid era.

I know you are familiar with the green broccoli but are you aware that it has a sibling (and its purple!). Purple broccoli has recently found an increased popularity in grocery stores and farmer’s markets worldwide. It has a unique color, flavor, and texture compared to traditional broccoli, making it a great addition to any meal.

In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need to know about purple broccoli – its nutrition facts, how it’s grown, and some delicious recipes. 

What is Purple Broccoli?

Purple broccoli is a hybrid of traditional broccoli and kale. It has an intense dark purple hue, which makes it stand out in appearance. The flavor is earthy yet sweet, with notes of nuttiness that blend well with other ingredients. You will notice that the texture is crunchy on the outside but tender on the inside when cooked correctly.

History and Origin of Purple Broccoli:

The origin and early mentions of purple broccoli dates back to 2000 BC, when the first mention of it appeared in an ancient Roman agricultural document. Italian farmers developed this type of broccoli, which has been grown and harvested for centuries. Till 1980s, Purple broccoli was little known outside of England and Italy until two English breeders, Alan Gray and P. Crisp, began working on selecting hardier, better tasting plants and introduced seeds for an improved cultivar in 1985 that could be commercialized.

The purple variety is a relatively recent addition to the Brassica oleracea family, including cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale. 

This variety was created by crossing two traditional broccoli plants – the green Calabrese and Purple Sprouting varieties. These two were then cross bred to produce a plant that offered both the nutty taste of the Calabrese and the color of the Purple Sprouting plant.

As a result of this hybridization process, purple broccoli has a unique flavor and an intense dark color that sets it apart from other green varieties. The deep hue of this type of broccoli is due to its higher anthocyanin content than regular broccoli, which makes it particularly healthy for consumption.

Appearance of the Purple Broccoli:

Going in contrast to the tightly wound and curled appearance of the traditional broccoli, you might fancy the purple broccoli as its distant cousin, who is having a bad hair day (at least that’s what I thought). The purple hue adds a dramatic appearance as it stands out compared to regular green broccoli.

It is visually deep purple in color with bright, colorful florets slightly more compact than traditional broccoli. The heads of the purple broccoli seem to be larger than average and have tightly packed buds that extend from the top. Its leaves are also darker in hue, and its stems are thicker than normal broccoli. It differs from others because of its crunchy texture and mild nutty flavor.

Flavor Profile of Purple Broccoli:

The flavor of purple broccoli is something you have to learn to live with, mild sweet, earthy and nutty, similar to traditional white or green broccoli. I found the flavor to be stronger than your ordinary broccoli, sort of halfway between asparagus and cauliflower.

It has a slightly nutty taste and a smooth texture when cooked. The stems have a tender yet crunchy snap, while the florets are sweet and juicy. Purple broccoli pairs well with ingredients like garlic, herbs, cheese, nuts, and citrus for an interesting flavor profile.

Plant Characteristics of the Purple Broccoli:

Purple broccoli is a unique species of vegetable due to its distinct characteristics. It has long, slender stems with dark purple buds, usually 1 to 3 inches in diameter. The leaves are typically bright green, and the plant can reach up to 5 feet tall. It produces an abundance of small, edible florets and is best harvested when they are still firm and purple. Purple broccoli is highly tolerant of cold temperatures and can survive light frosts.

Health Benefits of Purple Broccoli:

The health benefits of purple broccoli are well established. It is a high source of antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids like anthocyanins, which can aid in preventing cell damage from free radicals.

It contains various bioactive compounds that work well to reduce inflammation in your body’s tissues. Broccolis are also a good source of fiber, which contributes to your gut health.

Cultivation & Harvesting:

• You should go for rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well-rotted compost, composted manure, or balanced organic fertilizer dug in prior to planting.
• Keep spacing of around 2 feet when planting and adequate sunlight for at least 6 hours everyday.
• Its best to mix composted manure into the soil or use a high-nitrogen compost before planting.
• Sow broccoli indoors in summer (for a fall yield) and set out when the plants are 3 weeks old.

Harvesting:

• You will need a sharp knife for this- Cut the broccoli head off cleanly to get the floret and a couple of inches of stalk. Once this is done, the side shoots will start to grow faster.
• When they grow to a decent size, harvest them in the same way, cutting them off sharply with a good amount of stalk, and a couple of leaves here and there too. It’ll keep producing for about a month after that first floret is harvested.

Where is Purple Broccoli Grown and Harvested?

Purple broccoli is mostly grown in the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe.

In the United States, purple broccoli is grown year-round in all-most all states, however California is the biggest producer of broccoli– producing 92% of the crop nationally, followed by Arizona. Broccoli thrives in regions with mild temperatures and well-drained soil, making California and Arizona ideal locations for its cultivation.

It is harvested in late summer and early fall when the florets are still firm and purple. In some areas, it can even be harvested as late as early winter when there is no danger of frost. Once harvested, it should be stored in a cool place to preserve its freshness and nutritional value.

Where can the Best Quality Purple Broccoli be found?

You can find the best quality purple broccoli at farmers’ markets or supermarkets such as Wholefoods, Walmart and Costco. You can also get it delivered to your doorsteps through online stores such as instacart, Amazon, Ebay and various local vendors.

Look for heads of broccoli that are dark purple and firm. Make sure that the stems are bright green and not yellow. You can also do it the gardener’s way by growing your own purple broccoli with organic seeds in your garden

Culinary Uses of Purple Broccoli:

Purple broccoli’s adaptive characteristics keeps it busy in the kitchen. It’s mild sweet, nutty flavor lends itself well to being cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some ways I tried to play around with it.

1. Steam or boil the broccoli and top with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious side dish.
2. Add it to stir-fry dishes with other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots.
3. Puree cooked purple broccoli into a creamy soup with other vegetables like potatoes, squash, or cauliflower.
4. Blend cooked purple broccoli into smoothies to add an extra nutritious punch.

These are just a few of the ways you can enjoy purple broccoli. Try adding it to your meals and see how much you like it!

Storage Tips for Purple Broccoli: 

The refrigerator is the best place to keep purple broccoli for up to five days when it is kept in an airtight container. Before storing, ensure the broccoli is dry, then wrap it firmly in plastic or aluminum foil to extend its shelf life. Broccoli can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight bag. 

Conclusion:

Just as its green cousin, purple broccoli stands out as a great alternative for individuals seeking a healthy and tasty option because it includes a great number of antioxidants. Purple broccoli can quickly become a mainstay in your kitchen because of its mild flavor and adaptability. When properly stored, it can be frozen for up to three months or kept fresh in the fridge for up to five days.

So, it’s time to bring some home and enjoy!

FAQ’s

Q.1- What does Purple Broccoli taste like?

Ans.- Purple broccoli combines mild sweetness with a nutty and peppery flavor. It has a tender crunchy snap along with taste which is familiar to the Brassica family.

Q.2- Where does Purple Broccoli come from?

Ans.- Purple broccoli was first cultivated in Southern Italy and is native to the Mediterranean and Central Asian region. Its seeds were first listed in the French seed catalog in 1885, which also introduced to the colorful cultivar to the United States.

Q.3- Can Purple Broccoli be frozen?

Ans- Yes, Purple broccoli can be frozen and used over a long period of time. It is advisable to blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes before freezing to preserve its texture and color. 

Q.4- Why Purple Broccoli is Purple in color?

Ans.- Purple Broccoli gets its color due to the presence of anthocyanin (a powerful antioxidant) which aids to its various health benefits. Colder conditions also facilitate the production of anthocyanin, and it is widely present in fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, eggplant and more.

Q.5- When to plant Purple Broccoli?

Ans.- Sowing the seeds in March will lead to harvest in early winter, or from April to mid-June for harvesting from January to May.