Harvesting Broccoli Raab

Broccoli raab goes by several names, including rapa, rapini, rappone and rapine turnip broccoli. Although it is called broccoli and the flower heads resemble small heads of broccoli, broccoli raab is actually a type of turnip. The leaves are prepared much like turnip greens, and the small flower heads and stems are blanched and sautéed like broccoli florets. The plants tolerate frost well but go to seed quickly in the summer, so grow them for early spring or fall harvest. The first flower heads are ready to harvest about 60 to 65 days after planting.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut broccoli raab leaves from the plants when they reach 4 to 8 inches high. Rinse and dry the leaves, and store them in the refrigerator.

   • 2

     Harvest the heads when the plants are 10 to 15 inches high and the heads are 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. When ready for harvest, the stems lose their tough texture and soften slightly.

   • 3

     Cut the plants off just above ground level. After cutting the stems, rinse them thoroughly and store them in the refrigerator.