Broccoli is a popular vegetable, related to cauliflower but there are differences beyond colour. The still closed flower buds of broccoli are consumed as opposed to the origins of the flower buds (flower bud primordia) for cauliflower. Furthermore broccoli is smaller than cauliflower and it has a less tight structure. Broccoli consists of green flower buds with thick stems. The flavour is similar to that of cauliflower, but it is more refined and more spicy. Raw broccoli contains a lot of vitamin C and fibre and is the source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Availability

Netherlands: June - October
Spain: October - June

Cauliflower is a round kind of cabbage, consisting of green stems with white flower buds. These remain beautifully white because during the growing process they are covered with leaves. Due to its mild, accessible flavour, cauliflower is among the most popular vegetables in The Netherlands. This vegetable is grown in The Netherlands, but also in France and Italy.

Availability

Netherlands: May - November
Miscellaneous: November - April

Also grown by:

• Teeltbedrijf Schalk

Chinese cabbage originates from, where else, the north of China. Characteristic of this type of cabbage is that it, same as pak choi, lacks the typical cabbage flavour. The vegetable consists of a light-coloured, oblong crop, which is as big as a firm head lettuce of leaf cabbage. Chinese cabbage is grown both outside and under glass and is therefore available throughout the year. This vegetable is very suitable for stir-frying and wok dishes. In the oriental kitchen the eaves are often used as edible ‘packaging’ of small dishes and snacks. Healthier than dough and at least as tasty.

Availability

Netherlands: January - December
Miscellaneous: January - April

Also grown by:

• Compliment V.O.F.

Savoy cabbage is a dense type of cabbage and has puckered leaves with curly edges. It is also called capers cabbage. The leaf has a nice vein structure. It is one of the oldest cabbage species in the world and originates from the Mediterranean. There is yellow and green savoy cabbage and the latter is sometimes simply called green cabbage. Green savoy cabbage does have a yellow heart. The yellow variant has light-green to blue-green outer leaves and a light-yellow heart. Savoy cabbage has a strong cabbage flavour.

Availability

Netherlands: June - December
France December - June

Also grown by:

• Dauphin s.a.s.
• Teeltbedrijf Schalk

Pointed cabbage is the white cabbage’s nephew. It is a pointy white type of cabbage with a softer flavour and it is easier to digest than its big uncle. It is a genuine summer crop. During the spring crop, the pointed cabbage has an even sharper point and a somewhat more loose structure. Pointed cabbage is ideal for cooking, steaming, boiling and stir-frying.

Availability

Netherlands: June - January
Spain: October - June

Also grown by:

• Mts Peeters
• Teeltbedrijf Schalk

Romanesco cauliflower is yellow-green. The florets of the cauliflower stand close together and are very decorative. They look like traditional “Zeeland buttons”, which is why Romanesco is also called button-cauliflower in The Netherlands. The name turret cauliflower is also commonly used. Romanesco has a slightly softer flavour than cauliflower.

Availability

Netherlands: June - October
France: October - June

Also grown by:

• Teeltbedrijf Schalk