Different Types & Varieties of Broccoli (With Names and Pictures)

Broccoli is a vegetable that has been growing in popularity due to its impressive nutritional benefits. It’s a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the same family as cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. 

While many of us are familiar with the traditional green broccoli that is commonly found in grocery stores, there are many other varieties of broccoli that you may not have heard of. From the bright green Romanesco broccoli to the colorful Purple Sprouting broccoli, there are different types of broccoli that offer unique flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. 

In this article, we will explore the different types and varieties of broccoli and discover how they can add variety and nutrition to your diet. 

Whether you’re a broccoli fanatic or new to the vegetable, this article will give you an overview of the various types of broccoli available and inspire you to try new flavors and recipes. So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of broccoli!

Overview of Broccoli as a Vegetable and Its Nutritional Benefits

Broccoli has gained immense popularity over the years due to its excellent nutritional benefits. This green vegetable is known for its crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor, which makes it a versatile ingredient in various recipes. Broccoli belongs to the same family as cauliflower, kale, and brussels sprouts, and it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

The nutritional value of broccoli is impressive. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and protect the body from harmful toxins. In addition, broccoli is high in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Broccoli is also a good source of folate, which is important for fetal development during pregnancy, and potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure.

Broccoli is also a great source of fiber, which helps to promote digestive health and maintain a healthy weight. The fiber in broccoli helps to slow down the digestion process, which means that it keeps you feeling full for longer periods of time. This makes broccoli an excellent vegetable choice for people who are looking to manage their weight or improve their digestive health.

Moreover, broccoli contains several antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals. These antioxidants, including sulforaphane and glucoraphanin, have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and help reduce inflammation in the body. Research has also shown that eating broccoli regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Different Types & Varieties of 10 Most Popular Brocolli

1. Arcadia Broccoli

The cruciferous vegetable known as Arcadia broccoli, which matures in approximately two months, boasts an assemblage of uniform heads that exhibit a small yet strikingly purplish-green hue. 

The circumference of each head spans between five and six inches, making it a modestly sized specimen. It is noteworthy that this variety of broccoli tolerance for freezing temperatures is surprisingly high, thus making it an excellent candidate for fall and winter production. Furthermore, its resistance to head rot and downy mildew renders it an admirable addition to any vegetable garden. 

A distinctive quality that sets it apart from its counterparts is that it has the capacity to evade the production of brown beads, which is a trait that is highly valued by broccoli enthusiasts.

2. Calabrese Broccoli

The Calabrese broccoli, with an approximate maturation period of 65 days, serves as an impeccable cultivar option when planted during the autumnal season. Interestingly, as the climate cools, the heads of this plant acquire a sweeter taste profile, amplifying the gustatory experience for all consumers. 

The heads themselves are an aesthetically pleasing deep-green shade, neither too petite nor too massive in size, constituting a medium-sized manifestation. Upon harvesting the central head of the broccoli, an abundance of side shoots flourish, contributing to a bounty of fresh produce for all broccoli enthusiasts.

3. Amadeus Broccoli

The Amadeus broccoli, a rapid maturing cultivar that requires a little under 60 days to reach its optimal broccoli growth stage, is distinguished by its strikingly compact yet tightly knit heads, featuring small beads that bespeak a distinctive blue-green hue. 

Measuring approximately four to five inches in diameter, the Amadeus broccoli, with its modestly sized disposition, does not disappoint in terms of its side-shoot production, which thrives with impressive vigor following the main head harvest. Characterized by a medium-sized, robust statue, this broccoli cultivar is a formidable contender among the array of broccoli varieties available in the market today.

4. Belstar Broccoli

The Belstar broccoli, a striking cultivar with tightly packed heads that boast a captivating blue-green hue, is an excellent choice for any gardener seeking an aesthetically pleasing and productive broccoli variety. 

This cultivar matures in approximately 70 days and is highly versatile in terms of planting conditions, thriving equally well in both hot and cold temperatures. The Belstar broccoli’s adaptability enables gardeners to plant it in either the spring or the fall, offering the flexibility and convenience needed for optimal gardening success.

5. “De Cicco” Heirloom Broccoli

The “De Cicco” heirloom broccoli, with an impressively short maturation period of less than 50 days, produces petite yet impeccable heads, typically spanning between three and four inches in diameter. 

Hailing from Italy, this multi-cut cultivar boasts a distinctive heritage and thrives particularly well in home gardens, making it a prime selection for those looking to cultivate fresh produce. In addition to its primary heads, this broccoli variety’s tender side-shoot spears manifest in abundant quantities, providing ample opportunities for continuous harvests.

For those desiring a greater yield of side-shoots, harvesting the main head when it reaches approximately three inches in diameter is recommended.

6. Gypsy Broccoli

The Gypsy broccoli, a cultivar that exhibits an impressive bloom period of around 60 days, is a rapid early-blooming variety that stands out among its broccoli counterparts. Its formidable root system is noteworthy, allowing for prolific production even in less than optimal soil conditions. 

Characterized by green, well-domed heads, this broccoli cultivar’s medium-to-small-sized beads contribute to its unique aesthetic profile. The Gypsy broccoli’s impressive heat tolerance is another quality that sets it apart from its peers, and its abundance of side shoots makes it a valuable asset to any garden.

7. Broccolini

Broccolini, also known as baby broccoli, is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. It has long, thin stems and small florets, giving it a more delicate and tender texture than traditional broccoli. Broccolini is a popular vegetable in Italian and Asian cuisine and is available year-round.

8. Romanesco Broccoli

The Romanesco broccoli, a coveted Italian heirloom that resembles a striking cross between a cauliflower and broccoli plant, exudes a unique charm that sets it apart from its counterparts. Maturing in 75 days, this cultivar’s spiraled, green heads are both alluring and aesthetically appealing, capturing the essence of the lush, verdant gardens of Italy. 

Renowned for its delicate flavor, the Romanesco broccoli is a highly sought-after variety that has been grown in Italy since the 1500s. Its slightly crunchy texture adds an enjoyable element to any dish, making it a highly versatile and valuable ingredient in the culinary realm.

9. Santee Broccoli

The Santee broccoli, also commonly referred to as purple sprouting broccoli, is a unique variety that yields copious quantities of tender, purple-hued flowers with green stems. Once cooked, the florets transform into a lush green color, adding visual appeal to any dish. 

This cultivar boasts an extended harvest period of three to five weeks, providing ample opportunity for continued production. The Santee broccoli flourishes in cool weather conditions, as exposure to hot weather may cause the shoots to develop an undesirable bitter taste.

10. Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a leafy green vegetable that is more closely related to turnips than broccoli. It has small, broccoli-like florets and bitter leaves. Broccoli rabe is a popular vegetable in Italian cuisine and is available year-round.

Is There Different Colored Broccoli?

When it comes to broccoli, most people think of the classic green vegetable with tightly packed florets that make up the head. However, did you know that there are different colored broccoli varieties available on the market? That’s right, not all broccoli is green, and these colorful options can add a unique touch to your meals.

One popular type of colored broccoli is purple broccoli, also known as sprouting broccoli. This variety has a deep, rich color and is full of antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. It has a milder flavor than regular broccoli, and its florets are a bit more open and feathery in appearance. You can steam it, sauté it, or even roast it to bring out its unique flavor and color.

Another type of broccoli that you may come across in the market is white broccoli. Also known as “cauliflower broccoli,” this variety has a similar texture and flavor to cauliflower. It has a creamy white color and a slightly sweeter taste than regular green broccoli. It’s perfect for use in recipes that call for cauliflower, such as roasted vegetable medleys or creamy soups.

Lastly, there is Romanesco broccoli, a unique-looking variety that has a stunning chartreuse color and a fractal-like pattern. It has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor and can be used in the same way as regular broccoli. Its distinctive appearance makes it a great addition to salads or a centerpiece for your vegetable platter.

What Type of Broccoli Are Sold in Stores?

The broccoli sold in stores can vary in appearance and taste, depending on the type and cultivar.

One of the most common types of broccoli sold in stores is the Calabrese broccoli, which is a cultivar that originated in Italy. This type of broccoli has medium-sized green heads and produces an abundance of side shoots, making it a popular choice for both commercial and home gardening. Calabrese broccoli is typically harvested in the fall, as cooler weather can cause the heads to become sweeter and more flavorful.

Another popular variety of broccoli found in stores is the Romanesco broccoli. This unique cultivar is characterized by its intricate, spiral-shaped heads and vibrant green color. Romanesco broccoli is often described as having a delicate, nutty flavor and is commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and other dishes where its distinct appearance can be appreciated.

In addition to Calabrese and Romanesco broccoli, stores may also carry the De Cicco heirloom variety. This type of broccoli has smaller heads, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners with limited space. De Cicco broccoli is a multi-cut cultivar, which means that it produces several smaller heads rather than one large head, extending its harvest period and providing a continuous supply of fresh, delicious broccoli.