broccoli

broccoli (brŏk`əlē) [Ital.,=sprouts], variety of cabbage grown for the edible immature flower panicles. It is the same variety (Brassica oleracea botrytis) as the cauliflower and is similarly cultivated. Although known to the Romans, it became generally popular in the United States only in the 20th cent. Broccoli is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Capparales, family Cruciferae.

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broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea variety italica).

(credit: G.R. Roberts)

Plant (Brassica oleracea, Botrytis group) closely related to cabbage in the mustard family. A fast-growing, upright, branched, annual plant, it bears dense green clusters of edible flower buds. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, it was introduced to the U.S. probably in colonial times. Broccoli thrives in moderate to cool climates. Its flavour resembles that of cabbage but is somewhat milder. It is one of the most broadly nutritious of all common vegetables.