Romanesco and Broccoli – These Are The Differences

Romanesco and broccoli in comparison

The two cabbage varieties Romanesco (Brassica oleracea convar. botrytis var. botrytis) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) are closely related, but there are also differences.

• Both the Romanesco and the broccoli are cruciferous plants (Brassicaceae).
• The Romanesco belongs to the cauliflower family. As its name suggests, it was originally planted in the Rome area. Broccoli also first came to Italy via Asia Minor and from there spread further into Europe.
• Romanesco and broccoli differ in appearance. Both are green, but the Romanesco is particularly decorative because of its unusual shape and is also called tower cabbage.
• Both types of cabbage love the heat. Therefore, you should choose a sunny place for cultivation in your own garden.
• You can actually find Romanesco and broccoli in the supermarket all year round. Although the harvest time for Romanesco in Germany is only from July to October and for broccoli from May to November, the cabbage is mainly supplied from Italy or Spain for the rest of the year.
• Romanesco and broccoli should be eaten as fresh as possible, as their shelf life is only limited to a short time (approx. 3 – 4 days). However, you can also freeze the cabbage.

That’s why romanesco and broccoli are so healthy

Green vegetables are particularly popular in veggie or low-carb cuisine. Because the two types of cabbage not only impress with their rich nutrients but also with their price. There are no limits to your imagination when it comes to preparation, so broccoli and romanesco taste great both in summer and in winter as a soup, smoothie, boiled vegetables, or salad.

• Both types of cabbage contain a lot of vitamin C. This is good for the immune system. In addition, green vegetables also contain many minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
• Both the Romanesco and broccoli are low in calories and therefore also suitable for diet cuisine.
• However, while romanesco contains hardly any flatulent substances and is easy to digest, consuming broccoli can lead to digestive problems if you have a sensitive intestine. Stomach pain or flatulence is not uncommon, especially when eating raw broccoli.