Colorful Cauliflower

     Related to other members of the cabbage family like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, romanesco has been called psychedelic broccoli. Lime green in color, its spiraled buds form a natural approximation of a fractal with each bud in the spiral  being composed of a series of smaller buds that seem to follow a logarithmic pattern.  It is believed that romanesco is a result of selective breeding by Italian farmers back in the 16th Century.

     It can be prepared raw, lightly cooked or cooked through.  Noted chef Mario Batali has this to say about its preparation:  "I like to saute it slowly with garlic and lemon zest and punctuate with red pepper flakes for zing."

     Like all members of the cauliflower family romanesco has a sweet, slightly assertive taste but with a nuttier and more earthy flavor.  And the green tint makes it more nutritious because it contains healthy cancer-fighting flavonoids.  Look for it now at local farmers' markets as it is in season from late summer to early fall.