What is broccoli? Broccoli is a kind of mini-cabbage grown for its florets (flower head).

Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family whose large, almost-flowering head is eaten as a vegetable.

The word broccoli means "the flowering crest of a cabbage". Broccoli can be boiled, baked or steamed, and can also be eaten raw.

Broccoli has large flower heads, which are usually green in colour when they are harvested. The florets grow on a strong stalk. Broccoli and cauliflower are different cultivated varieties of the same species.

The Romans developed broccoli, but it wasn't eaten more widely in Europe until the 18th century. It was introduced to North America by Italian immigrants. China and India are now the biggest producers of broccoli Most American broccoli is grown in California; most European broccoli is mainly grown in Italy and Spain.

Broccoli is harvested before the flowers on the head bloom bright yellow.

Some people think that broccoli has a slightly bitter taste.