In this blog we are going to tell you about Difference Between Broccolini and Broccoli Rabe, so read this blog carefully to get the complete information.

Introduction

Broccolini and Broccoli Rabe are often confused as all these three are green vegetables which are similar in appearance and have their own unique characteristics.

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What Is Broccolini?

Invented in 1993, Broccolini is actually a HYBRID vegetable which was first grown under the name “Asparation” because of its asparagus-flavor undertones. Also called “baby broccoli,” Broccolini is a delicate hybrid developed by a seed company in Japan. It is not a young version of broccoli as that name suggests. A regular broccoli is known to have a thick stalks and tightly packed crowns but Broccolini features sweeter and slimmer stalks with looser florets and bright yellow flowers with few leaves. It has a long, leggy stem with small florets and leaves. As far its taste is concerned, Broccolini is more tender and sweeter than other species. Broccolini flowers add a bright pop of color and herbal heat to a wild garden salad it has an earthy sweetness when lightly caramelized on the grill or in the oven.

What Is Broccoli Rabe?

Also known as rapini, Broccoli Rabe has a bitter taste and appears similar to a mustard green with thin stalks, leafy structure and little buds. In short, Broccoli Rabe is a leafy and cruciferous vegetable which is similar in appearance to broccoli but it is actually related to the turnip. Having longer and thinner stalks, Broccoli Rabe has green florets and large green leaves grow in looser bunches. It has a very bitter flavor in raw condition therefore; it is usually served sauteed with a little olive oil in Italian cuisine. People know Broccoli Rabe as a good source of protein and fiber due to the leafy greens. It is particularly popular in Italian cooking, where it is often sauteed with garlic to use in pasta dishes.

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Difference between Broccolini and Broccoli Rabe

Broccolini and broccoli Rabe are the popular nutritious green veggies which have at least four leaves and thrive in cool weather. Both are different from one another in a series of ways:

1. Plant species – Broccolini is from the plant species, brassica oleracea which is also a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli while Broccoli Rabe is from the brassica rapa family.
2. Appearance – Both Broccolini and broccoli Rabe have longer and thinner stalks and are usually packaged in bunches but broccoli Rabe is leafier than Broccolini.
3. Taste – Broccolini has firm, crunchy stems and leafy florets with mild bittersweet flavor while Broccoli Rabe has a strong and bitter taste throughout from its stems to leaves.
4. Cooking – Broccolini is more typically cooked as you can saute, broil or steam to serve it as a side dish. With bitter taste, Broccoli Rabe should always be cooked before eating. You can saute, broil, steam or boil its stems and leaves.

Bottom Line

Broccolini and broccoli Rabe look similar but they are not the same vegetable. Broccolini is actually rooted in Chinese cuisine while broccoli Rabe is common on Italian dinner tables. Both broccoli Rabe and Broccolini have plenty of nutrients for an overall good health which may help protect our bodies from different types of cancers.

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Conclusion

I Hope this blog is sufficient enough to provide the information about Difference Between Broccolini and Broccoli Rabe. Thanks for reading this blog.