Broccoli vs broccolini: Which should you get?

Telling the difference between broccoli vs broccolini can be tricky. After all, they come in similar colours, have the same plant parts, and offer the same uses. This article explores the characteristics of each plant to help you distinguish them and learn which one goes with your next dish.

What is broccoli?

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an edible vegetable that originated in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Its name is derived from the Italian word meaning ‘cabbage sprout.’

The most recognisable trait of broccoli is its flowering heads, also called florets. Most varieties of broccoli are green, while some are purple. The plant generally has large and leathery leaves and thick stalks of a lighter green shade.

Despite its mildly bitter flavour, this popular vegetable is used in different kinds of dishes across the world, including in the UK.

What is broccolini?

Broccolini (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) is an edible vegetable from the broccoli family, just like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Sometimes called baby broccoli, it is actually a cross between Chinese kale (or gai lan) and broccoli.

This cruciferous vegetable also has green and purple varieties. However, it has smaller florets and leaves and much longer stalks.

Broccolini has a less bitter taste and is versatile cuisine-wise, but it is not as easy to find as broccoli.

Broccolini vs broccoli: Which is better for your needs?

Is broccolini the same as broccoli? This section answers the question through a discussion of different factors:

In terms of cost

In general, the price range of broccoli and broccolini in popular supermarkets and grocery stores is not far apart. A 200-gramme pack of broccoli can cost anywhere from £1.29 to £2. Meanwhile, the same amount of broccolini has a typical market price of £1.39 up to £2.50.

In terms of cooking time

Prepping broccoli for cooking involves peeling its stem, cutting right where the stalks branch off, and separating the florets. Each floret can also be broken apart into smaller chunks. Typically, broccoli only takes two to three minutes of boiling to become tender.

Broccolini prep, which also involves removing the thick part of the stem and separating each stalk, can be done in a shorter time. But boiling it until it becomes tender can take up to three minutes longer.

In terms of taste

Both mustard greens have an earthy and crispy quality. However, the flavour of broccoli has a hint of bitterness, while broccolini tends to have a mellower and sweeter taste.

In terms of nutritional value

Broccoli has several health benefits despite being mostly composed of water. This plant is a source of vitamins B9, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Moreover, the low-carb and low-calorie vegetable helps with gut, heart, and eye health.

There isn’t much difference between broccoli vs broccolini nutrition-wise. The latter is also high in fibre, has a good amount of protein, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

In terms of versatility

Due to the vegetable’s versatility, broccoli recipes can range from savoury meals and herby side dishes to stir-fries and salads. It can be eaten on its own or mixed with meat, pasta, or rice, among other ingredients.

Meanwhile, some typical broccolini recipes involve the veggie being blanched, sauteed with garlic and butter, or roasted with lemons. This is because it lends itself better to simpler dishes.

In some cases, using broccolini heads as a substitute for broccoli florets is fine. For instance, you can turn either vegetable into a smoothie. You can also make a sandwich spread by cooking them with olive oil.

In terms of availability

Broccoli remains one of the most popular vegetables in the UK. It has become more accessible to local consumers since it is produced in several regions. Also grown across the country, broccolini is easy to find in local grocery stores and markets under the name Tenderstem broccoli.

In terms of growth difficulty

You won’t encounter significant difficulties, whether you’re planting broccoli or broccolini. Both are easy to grow when planted in the spring or fall. Broccoli takes at least eight weeks to mature, while broccolini can be harvested in at least seven weeks.

Enjoy fresh produce with Airtasker

Want to buy some broccoli or broccolini but have no time to do so? Let one of Airtasker’s fresh food delivery service providers purchase them for you together with other items on your grocery list, such as fruits and organic food.

To begin the vegetable delivery process, post a task on the platform and include relevant details, such as your grocery list, budget, and address.