Perfection Fresh (Aust)
Attention: food editor! Think Broccolini® baby broccoli now!
Aussie favourite Broccolini® baby broccoli is at its best until
October, so now's the time to plan your spring features.
We're here to help you feature this super-healthy, entirely edible
vegie that's available all year `round. Ask us NOW for Broccolini®
- and any other fresh produce samples - for your own recipe
development and photography needs.
Draw inspiration from more than 20 fabulous Broccolini® baby
broccoli recipes on our website or borrow one of our enticing
recipe concepts and make it your own!
Feature Broccolini® and you've got spring covered.
About Broccolini® baby broccoli
From the tip of its flowering buds to the ends of its succulent
stalks, Broccolini® baby broccoli is a stand-out member of the
versatile brassica family. Once tried, it's not forgotten.
A cross between broccoli and Gai Lan, also known as Chinese kale,
Broccolini® baby broccoli captures the best of both. Its firm, yet
tender asparagus-like stems require no peeling or scaling.
Broccolini® baby broccoli's tiny buds are similar to a mini
broccoli head, although darker green and less compact. Perfection
Fresh introduced Broccolini® to Australia in 1999.
5 healthy reasons to eat Broccolini®
- Broccolini® is a good source of folate. It is vital to eat enough folate if you are planning to start a family.
- Broccolini® is packed with vitamin C which keeps gums healthy, builds resistance to infections, helps cuts and wounds heal and boosts the absorption of iron from grains and vegetables.
- Broccolini® is excellent for beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A in the body. The body uses beta-carotene for healthy skin, normal growth in children, eyesight and immunity.
- Broccolini® contains potassium, an essential mineral that counteracts the harmful effects of too much sodium (salt).
- Broccolini® is naturally low in kilojoules (calories) with virtually no fat and sugars. It is a dieter's dream.
10 ways with Broccolini® baby broccoli
- Broccolini® baby broccoli tempura with citrus and chilli dipping sauce
- Creamy Broccolini® baby broccoli soup with crunchy croutons
- Broccolini® baby broccoli lasagne with ricotta and mozzarella
- Broccolini® baby broccoli, rocket and sweet pumpkin pizza
- Broccolini® baby broccoli dip with sour cream and parmesan
- Roasted Broccolini® baby broccoli with lemon, garlic and parmesan
- Broccolini® baby broccoli, pumpkin and leek risotto
- Chicken and Broccolini® baby broccoli pasta salad with blue cheese dressing
- Polenta with Broccolini® baby broccoli and pancetta
Broccolini® baby broccoli, red apple and walnut salad
Cooking tip
Cook Broccolini® baby broccoli quickly to retain maximum crunch, colour and flavour. Easy does it!
Taste
Broccolini® baby broccoli has a sweet, delicate flavour with a subtle peppery "edge". Its flavour becomes milder and sweeter when cooked.
Selection and storage
Look for fresh, dark green foliage and lighter green, firm stalks. To avoid copy products, look for produce carrying the Broccolini® baby broccoli name and the Perfection Fresh tag. Keep Broccolini® baby broccoli in the crisper box of the fridge.
Where to buy it
Broccolini® baby broccoli is available at Woolworths (under the Woolworths Fresh brand), Coles and at independent retail outlets nationally. Its recommended retail price (RRP) is between $2.48 and $2.99 per bunch.
Where it comes from
Broccolini® baby broccoli is grown in Gatton and Stanthorpe, Queensland; Currency Creek, South Australia; South East Melbourne and Tatura, Victoria and Capel in Western Australia.
A labour of love...
In the field, Broccolini® baby broccoli forms a central head similar to a broccoli plant. About 14 days before harvest, growers meticulously pinch back a tiny part of the central head by hand. This fine, detailed work stimulates the plant to send out side shoots - the Broccolini® stems which find their way to our tables!
