Purple Sprouting Broccoli

[Millymollymandy]

Mine isn't strong. Or are you talking real broccoli? My PSB is really mild tasting compared to that. I'm about to have some cold along with the rest of the baked leek risotto cold.

[Annpan]

It is PSB, but it doesn't taste very nice.

To me, regular broccoli (calabrese? shop bought stuff) tastes a bit like cabbagey, grassy and greeny but quite smooth - my PSB tastes like dirty socks

[pumpy]

If it's any encouragement to anyone........ our P.S.B. was doing absolutely Jack S**t 2 weeks ago, but are now broccling like no-ones business........ & tasting really good!

[Nomada]

Can I ask a possibly daft question, is it possible to grow this in containers or does it need a lot more space than that?

[pumpy]

They could be grown in a LARGE container........ they have quite a large root-base, & they would also need to be secure against strong winds, as they can become 'top-heavy'.

[Millymollymandy]

I wouldn't recommend it as they are huge plants - mine as I said earlier are all staked up but at a 45 degree angle due to their weight and the wind. The only healthy plant left is about 1 metre diameter and height and where the stem touches the soil it is about 4 inches diameter! So I'd say no, not in pots.

[Nomada]

ah bugger, thought that would be the case. Anyone want a packet of psb seeds? They should be sown this year.

[Mal]

Try this recipe (not big on measuring things so its all in the eye and the tastebuds)

a couple of big handfuls of broccoli spears
splash olive oil
3 large garlic cloves
2 tablespoon of dried chilli flakes
3 anchovies (the oily salted ones from a jar)
4 tablespoons of butter
I small carton of creme entier (double cream I think)
enough pasta for 4 people
salt and pepper

Steam the broccoli for a few minutes.
Fry the chillies, anchovies and butter, mash together with the garlic in the pan to make a paste, add the broccoli and cream, and let simmer after bringing to the boil briefly. When cooked, mash up some of the broccoli heads to make more of a creamy sauce, and leave a few heads intact, serve poured over the cooked pasta and season.

Totally yummy!!!!

Hey there, finally got round to trying this today with some veg box psb. Really good, and pretty fast too. Thanks!