There are two main types (head and florets) of broccoli, but the florets type can be broken down further. While most folks focus on and eat the buds, you can also eat the stems and leaves.
Head – this type forms a main head that is harvested before the buds open up into flowers. There are some varieties of head broccoli that will form side shoots once you pinch or harvest the main head.
Florets– this type only produces smaller florets.
- Sprouting– this type has a milder flavor and the buds are green or purple.
- Broccolini – this type is a hybrid between broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
- Chinese or Gai Lan – this broccoli type has a milder flavor, small florets and thicker and longer stems. The stems are similar to aspargus.
- Raab/Rapini – this Italian type has a bit of a mustard flavor and thinner stems.
I recently explained the types of cabbage which is a cousin of broccoli as it is in the same brassica plant family.
