This a bit scary looking cousin of broccoli can be used in more or less the same way. Purple sprouting broccoli is at it’s best between February and April in UK.

Always choose broccoli with dark greeny-purple leaves and florets. Discard any plants with yellowy florets or wilted leaves.

Trim any woody stem ends or tough leaves with a knife. Divide into small, individual florets, each with a short stem, and diagonally slice the thicker stems. Rinse under cold water.

Broccoli boils or steams in 3 – 6 minutes, depending on the size of floret. In stir-fries, cook it for a couple of minutes, until tender.

Boil the florets in plenty of water, and serve warm with melted butter and lemon juice, stir fry in Egg Noodles with Purple Broccoli and Grilled Tofu or steam to make Sprouting Broccoli & Radishes with Ultimate Cheddar Sauce.

NOTES

Some information source: BBC Good Food.