Romanesco Broccoli Cauliflower – a fractal vegetable
Although there seems to be debate on the internet whether the Romenesco is a broccoli, cauliflower or a hybrid of the two, I have always been told it was a cauliflower. Regardless of it’s origins, I am thrilled whenever I see them in the market and think that they could possibly be the coolest vegetable in the world – though the fiddlehead would give them come competition in a formal pageant.
The Romenesco is a bit softer in texture than a cauliflower and most North Americans cook it exactly as they cook cauliflower (though be sure not to overcook it as it can become tougher). It is also ideal for a crudites platter.
Italians have been cooking with these for more than 400 years and I understand they developed a few recipes specific to the Romenesco. I plan to do some research in coming days and see if we might be able to find a new way to cook this mathematical object!
Comments
It’s like a beautiful piece of sculpture. I’m always amazed at the beauty of nature. Must taste great also!
Are you sure it’s not a Fibonacci vegetable?
Laughing… I get lost at most things more complex than a square….
Al, I’ll meet you half way and call it a veggie with funky math.
j
it is cool. when it comes to weird veggies, i’m partial to kohlrabi.
I love these things. I usually call them cauliflower. Whatever, they are so amazing looking and you can eat them!