Romanesque Cauliflower (also known as Romanesco broccoli, Roman cauliflower, Broccolo Romanesco, or just plain Romanesco) is this week’s Fresh Pick of the Week from the valley’s three Certified Farmers’ Markets.
Romanesque Cauliflower is a fascinating and delicious vegetable, and certainly one that is fitting to try for the New Year. Its shape is a favorite for foodies, chefs, and, of all people, mathematicians! Why? Because Romanesque Cauliflower grows naturally in the shape of a fractal (a mathematical set that exhibits a repeating pattern in every scale), and is the only known vegetable that does so. Of course, Romanesque Cauliflower also tastes good – mostly like cauliflower but with a bit more delicate flavor, and with a much crunchier texture. It’s also pretty, especially when set as part of a holiday table, not only because of its shape, but also because of its unusual chartreuse color.
Did you know: The part of the Romanesque Cauliflower that we eat is actually a dense cluster of tiny flower buds arranged on highly specialized stems.
Price: $3.50 a pound.
