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Seed | Cicco's Broccoli
  • Seed | Cicco's Broccoli
Seed | Cicco's Broccoli

Seed | Cicco's Broccoli

$3.99 CAD
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Cicco's Broccoli is an heirloom Italian variety producing multiple small green heads followed by flavorful side shoots.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Broccoli, a green vegetable with a non-uniform central head, has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. Originally cultivated in Italy, it traveled across Europe, finally being introduced to England in 1890 under the evocative name "Italian asparagus." This name reflects its origins and growing popularity across the continent.

In Italy, broccoli is a traditional food that has found its way into many local recipes. One of the most iconic preparations is "broccoli strascinati," where the broccoli stems and florets are sautéed in olive oil with crushed garlic and spicy chili flakes. This simple yet flavorful combination highlights the broccoli's crisp texture and subtle flavors, often enhanced with a touch of lemon juice or pecorino cheese.

Broccoli is prized for its ability to thrive in spring and fall, benefiting from the mild temperatures of those seasons. Its uneven central head branches into multiple shoots, extending the harvest period and allowing growers to enjoy continuous production over an extended period.

Today, broccoli is celebrated not only for its culinary versatility and nutritional value, but also for its rich history and gastronomic traditions that continue to influence cuisines around the world.
PROPERTIES

Cicco broccoli is known for its many health benefits, mainly due to its richness in phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of its potential medicinal properties:

  • Antioxidant: Broccoli is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and various flavonoids. These compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing cellular damage and inflammation.
  • Anti-cancer: Studies suggest that phytochemicals found in broccoli, such as glucosinolates and sulforaphanes, may have protective effects against certain types of cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and stimulating detoxification mechanisms in the body.
  • Cardiovascular Support: Regular broccoli consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help maintain blood vessel health and regulate blood pressure.
  • Immune Support: The vitamin C in broccoli contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system, helping to fight infections and support overall health.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Sulforaphanes and other bioactive compounds in broccoli may help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
HOW TO COOK?

In Italy, Cicco broccoli is a widely enjoyed vegetable and is cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some traditional ways to prepare broccoli in Italian cuisine:

  • Broccoli al Sugo di Pomodoro (Broccoli with tomato sauce):

The broccoli florets are steamed until tender.
In a pan, brown minced garlic in olive oil until golden.
Add peeled and chopped tomatoes, as well as red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Steamed broccoli is added to the tomato sauce and cooked together until the flavors blend.

  • Broccoli Ripassati in Padella (Broccoli sautéed in a pan):

The broccoli florets are first blanched in boiling salted water for a few minutes, then drained.
They are sautéed in a pan with olive oil, minced garlic and possibly chili flakes.
The broccoli is cooked over high heat until lightly browned and tender. A squeeze of lemon juice can be added to enhance the flavor.

  • Broccoli Gratinati (Broccoli au gratin):

The broccoli florets are steamed until just tender.
They are then placed in a baking dish.
A béchamel sauce is made with milk, butter and flour, to which grated cheese (such as Parmesan) is added to make a creamy sauce.
The cheese béchamel sauce is poured over the broccoli, then the dish is placed in the oven to brown until the top is golden and crispy.

  • Minestrone with Broccoli:

Broccoli is often added to minestrone soup, a traditional Italian soup rich in vegetables.
Broccoli florets are cut into pieces and added to a vegetable broth along with other vegetables such as beans, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes.
Cook everything together until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors blend.

  • Broccoli fritti (Fried broccoli):

Broccoli florets are dipped in a batter made from flour, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
They are then fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
They are usually served with tomato sauce or garlic sauce for dipping.
These preparations demonstrate the diversity of ways broccoli is cooked in Italy, highlighting its delicate flavor and crisp texture.

A little tip: you can store unwashed De Cicco broccoli in the refrigerator for a week or a little longer.

Finally, I wanted to mention that the image of Cicco's Broccoli was photographed on December 10, 2021 at -14 in the outdoor vegetable garden.
HOW TO GROW?

This is a broccoli that I grow and I love, it is super productive and what's more you only take what you need.

The more you cut the buds of this open-pollinated variety, the more they will yield. It tolerates our cold very well from early winter down to about -15, and the entire plant is edible.

So you will have production from the beginning of summer until the end of autumn and even until winter, but in an outdoor greenhouse they will live until March.

It is important to cut the heads before the yellow flowers appear, if you want the best results.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Brassica oleracea var. italica
  • Sowing: Early March-April indoors
    plant in the ground around the middle of late May, subsequent cultivation for winter cultivation sowing in August
  • Seeds: 3 seeds per pot
  • Sowing depth: 0.5-1 cm
  • Germination time: 3-7 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and well-drained
  • Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
  • Spacing between plants: 40-45cm
  • Height at maturity 80-85cm
  • Maturity: 45-50 days
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 100
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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