- Broccoli was brought to America by Thomas Jefferson. He imported seeds from Italy and planted his garden in 1767.
- Broccoli, broccolini, and broccoflower are all part of the same family. Broccoli rabe is not included and related to turnips.
- There is no sign for broccoli in American Sign Language. YOU HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT! Bummer!
- California is responsible for 90% of the broccoli grown in the United States.
- China is the world’s largest broccoli producer, more than 8 million tons of the vegetable every year.
- Broccoli was once known as Italian asparagus before finding its current name, which root lies in the latin for “arm”.
- Tom Landers currently holds the world record for broccoli consumption- 1 pound in 92 seconds.
- The little florets of broccoli are buds ready to bloom: when left unharvested, broccoli will burst into a bunch of yellow flowers.
- They are a nutrient powerhouse. In vitamin C, 200 mg of potassium, vitamin A&K, and protein.
- Broccoli can help with digestion, bones, the heart, and is a cancer fighter.
- Broccoli is safe for pregnant and lactating women.
- Can help protect our DNA against unwanted mutations.
- President George H.W. Bush famously found himself with more broccoli on his hands than he knew what to do with after angering American broccoli farmers by stating, “I do not like broccoli, and I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid, and my mother made me eat it, and I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat anymore broccoli.” The farmers sent tons of it in retaliation.
Secret: The most common variety of broccoli is Calabrese broccoli, named for its place of origin, Calabria.