What Is Romanesco?

What is this bright green, alien-looking vegetable? Also sometimes called Romanesco cauliflower, Romanesco broccoli, or Broccolo Romanesco, it is an edible flower bud of the species Brassica oleracea. (which also includes cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens and kohlrabi.)

Romanesco’s striking appearance is due to its intricate, mathematical growth pattern that is a natural approximation of a fractal. With a texture that’s crunchier and flavor that’s more delicate and nutty than cauliflower, Romanesco can be used raw or cooked in place of cauliflower or broccoli in any recipe.

Check out how to prepare Romanesco here.

Health Benefits

Romanesco’s nutritional value is similar to cauliflower’s or broccoli’s but it contains more carotene and mineral salts. It is a rich source of vitamin C and has high levels of iron and folate.