I love nothing more than unusual vegetables. It’s as if you turned the nose on a talking doorknob and emerged into a secret garden. I get a secret thrill when I buy orange cauliflower or purple artichokes. As a matter of fact, it seems that almost every vegetable comes in some rare purple variety: artichokes, asparagus, carrots, peppers, and, now, indigenous to Britain, broccoli. The British take great pride in serving and selling what is often referred to as the “best of Britain”—produce and livestock that is native to Britain, raised by British farmers, and served to British (or, in my case, American) consumers. Purple sprouting broccoli is one such vegetable, one which seasonally graces both the fancy restaurant...
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Who knew there was a Holy Church of Bacon? Great URL, by the way: worshipbacon.com. Its members, who practice "baconism," have their own cosmology—one in which broccoli is the Anti-Bacon. It surprises people to learn how dangerous broccoli can really be. Here's what a leading doctor had to say about it: "Oh yes. One of the deadliest plants on Earth! Why, it tries to warn you itself with its terrible taste." —Dr. Hibbert, PhD. Broccoli poses a grave threat to the Holy Church of Bacon and all Baconists. When tainted with Broccolian evil, a piece of Bacon is forever tarnished and should never be placed within one's orifices. The Holy Church of Bacon site is set up as a wiki,...
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Photograph by Allison Hemler on Flickr. The flowery green vegetable we were all required to hate as children (but worship as healthy adults) is entering peak season. Though it's available year round, it should be at its greenest and cheapest beginning this month. Depending on your location, it may be difficult to find locally, as the majority of the crop is grown in California or Arizona. Raw broccoli is an acquired taste, so when serving as a hors d'oeuvre, slightly blanch for the best flavor. Whether sauteed, steamed, or roasted, it provides a wealth of nutrients including Vitamin C, fiber, and Vitamin K. Watch out for blanching for too long, as the health benefits are severely diminished. I can...
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