WHEN BROCCOLI ISN'T BROCCOLI

IT'S BROCCOLI RABE

Broccoli rabe, or rapini, is a Southern Italian bitter green that's a great way to change up your winter-time eating habits. Rich with potassium, iron and vitamins A, C and K it's a healthy option too! You can find these thick spiky leafed Brassiceae (think the same family as turnips - but surprisingly not related to broccoli) sold in bunches at Vang Farms or Suzie's with little green buds that look like baby broccoli florets that mature into yellow flowers. It's all edible, though you may want to remove any thick bottom part of the stems as they tend to be tough.

For some recipe ideas try browning crumbled Italian sausage then adding broccoli rabe and a little tomato paste just until the greens are wilted. Toss it with your favorite fresh pasta from Lisko Imports and you've got yourself a simple meal ready in less than 30 minutes. It's also delicious on pizzas with some fresh mozzarella from Taste Cheese, minced garlic from Sage Mountain or Schaner Farms and a dusting of Meyer lemon zest from your favorite citrus vendor. With it's nutty, slightly bitter flavor, this could be your new go-to vegetable.