Purple broccoli looks like it came straight out of a psychedelic movie but let me assure you (and perhaps disappoint some of you), mini purple broccoli is just as psychoactive as any other broccoli (meaning, not at all). However, if you ask me, it tastes better.
I've written before about broccoli and the fact that broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts are actually different presentations of the same plant, all evolved from the same ancient wild cabbage.
This fascinating fact about vegetables from the Brassica family never ceases to intrigue me, and the rare presentation of mini purple broccoli presents an excellent opportunity to review it once again. It also provides a better chance to understand how humans have cultivated and developed varieties in an almost intuitive way, selecting plants with desirable appearances and traits and nurturing them.
In the case of the wild cabbage, cultivating desirable traits also sheds light on the different parts of the plant. In cabbage, the focus is on the leaves; in kohlrabi, it's the enlarged root; while in Broccoli and cauliflower, the emphasis is on the flowers.
Since these variations have been ingrained in the modern human consciousness for decades (and sometimes centuries), we are accustomed to the final product. It's highly likely that if you think of "cauliflower," "kohlrabi," or "broccoli," a relatively uniform, similar, and generic image comes to mind.
But we must not forget that what we are accustomed to seeing is the end result that has been established. We usually don't see the evolution process, which, in certain respects, was very long.
Despite my fascination with the diversity of Brassicas, what we encounter today at the grocery store is just the tip of the iceberg. Varieties have been established due to convenience and habits – ease of cultivation and consumer demand. However, in the process, many unique and fascinating varieties with captivating traits have been neglected, bringing light and interest to the kitchen, and in the modern world it is very difficult to come across them.
That's why the Purple Mini Broccoli from the Arava is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. It also opens an intriguing pathway towards understanding the evolution of Brassicas. It's like taking a hike through the desert and meeting a dinosaur (and don't forget that millions of years ago, every chicken was, in fact, a dinosaur).
Why am I mentioning this? Well, we've always been told that broccoli is actually a flower. We understand that, but something about the green and large spectacle created a certain dissonance, at least for me. I always have a thought in the back of my mind saying, "Yes, I see that it's a flower, but for me, a flower will always have more modest dimensions and of course, more vibrant colors."
In short, take a close look at the Mini Purple Broccoli, and you’ll see everything falls into place. Surely, broccoli is a flower, and even a beautiful one.
I soften it in boiling water, sprinkle some coarse salt and a bit of ground pepper on top, and enjoy it. At least for me, Mini Purple Broccoli gives me a ‘high’, even though it's not truly psychedelic.
Bon appetit,
The Garden team
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