Broccoli, broccoli, wherefore art thou broccoli?

"Mother: It's broccoli, dear. ---
Child: I say it's spinach, and I say the hell with it." James Thurber

Broccoli, broccoli, wherefore art thou broccoli? This cousin of the cabbage first came into popularity in the Roman Empire, probably brought back from campaigns to Asia Minor in the last few centuries B.C. and has been embraced and disdained the world over ever since: it once killed Homer Simpson; George H.W. Bush doesn’t like it, Newman calls it a “vile weed”; it was purportedly invented by Bond producer “Cubby” Broccoli; possibly cures cancer, but the secret’s not really out yet. Some things are known to be true about it: the name comes from brachium, which means arm. The stalks arise from cabbages that have gone to flower and the florets are harvested before they bloom. The most popular variety is the Calabrese, said to have been developed in the Calabria region of Italy; this popularity has recently mushroomed - it’s U.S. consumption has grown nearly 1000% in the last 30 years! It is high in vitamin C, fiber and contains an anti-cancer compound called sulforaphane which is found in many cabbage cousin cruciferous vegetables. It is also a fantastic source of vitamin K, which aids in healthy blood cell production and cardiovascular vitality. This crown of crudités prefers mild climates and wilts in hot summers, doing exceedingly well in southern California. Try one of its relatives, rapini or broccoli raab, which combine characteristics for broccoli heads and mustard leaves in the same plant. The popular broccolini is an hybrid of gai-lon, sort of an Asian version of rapini.

Newman, you wouldn't eat broccoli if it was deep fried in chocolate sauce! Jerry Seinfeld

Festivals:Greenfield Harvest Festival - http://www.ci.greenfield.ca.us/index.aspx?recordid=136&page=16