Stellar Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbage at Farmers Market

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS

Brassicas – you probably hated eating them as a kid, burying them under your mashed potatoes or surreptitiously feeding them to the family dog. We’re sure you’ve changed your mind since then because brassicas are flavorful, easy-to-prepare, and nutrient-dense. The Brassica family of vegetables includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and more.

They are among the most commonly cultivated vegetables in the world, and some of the most delicious. The best you’ll find will be at your farmers’ market where their just-picked flavor is incomparable. Their flavor also comes from the fact that they are locally grown and not shipped from long distances.

We know vegetables are good for you and we need more in our diet, but brassicas give you a lot of bang for your buck. Relatively inexpensive, they are low in calories, fat, and sodium. They’re also a very good source of fiber and are filled with a variety of other essential vitamins and minerals. The fresher the vegetables are, the more nutrients they contain and you won’t find them any fresher than at the farmers’ market where local farmers bring vegetables straight from the farm to you. Here are 5 brassicas, among others, to include in your diet with the best ways to prepare them for best flavor and nutrient retention:

Broccoli & Broccolini: Blanched, steamed, or sautéed, broccoli can be added to pasta, casseroles, or stir-fries. Make a baked broccoli gratin with some California cheese. Or stir fry with mushrooms in a hoisin-based sauce.

Cauliflower: Currently cauliflower is having its culinary moment as low-carb meals are in vogue. Chefs and home cooks are discovering creative ways to prepare it – riced, roasted, mashed. Roasting brings out the mild, nutty flavor.

Brussels Sprouts: Roasted, steamed, or grilled, they make a perfect accompaniment to most meals. Try cutting in half, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roasting in the oven – delicious! Saute with bacon or shred into salads and slaws.

Cabbage: Whatever variety – red or purple cabbage, Napa cabbage, Savoy cabbage, green cabbage, use in cole slaw and other salads, add to soups, top your fish tacos, or make old-fashioned cabbage rolls.

Bok Choy: Also known as Chinese cabbage, bok choy is a staple in Asian cooking and is most commonly used in soups, stir-fries, or noodle dishes. Add to your pasta dishes or light soups.

At the Martinez Farmers Market, you’ll find J&M Farms from Gilroy, and Halog Farms out of Merced with all the brassicas you could want – broccoli and cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, and more. In addition, Tu Universo from Watsonville has more brassicas. The farmers’ market offers a wide selection of produce in different and unique varieties you won’t find anywhere else. Importantly, you’re also helping small family farms continue to farm.

Purple Cauliflower Rice
• 1 large head cauliflower, quartered
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, butter or bacon drippings
• 1 medium onion, leek or 2 shallots
• 2 tablespoons fresh
• Fresh parsley
• Juice of 1/4 to 1/2 lemon, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Trim the cauliflower by quartering it, laying a flat side on your cutting board and making a diagonal cut to separate the florets from the core. In 4 batches, break up the florets into a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles pebbles.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat; add onions, shallots, or leeks, and stir to coat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown at the edges and have softened for about 8 minutes. If using leeks, cook 5 minutes. If using shallots, cook 2 minutes. Add cauliflower and stir to combine. Add 1 teaspoon salt, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower has softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Spoon the cauliflower into a large serving bowl, garnish with parsley, sprinkle with the lemon juice, and season to taste with salt. Serve warm.

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