Paternopoli Aprilatico Broccoli

Vegetables have been grown around Paternopoli for centuries. The area’s horticultural fame comes from its fertile soil and many springs, and was already mentioned in the 18th century in reports about the area sent by local bishops to Rome.
Over time a variety of spring broccoli, known as Aprilatico, has been selected by the growers here. Dark green in color, it has crisp heads. The plant develops a floral scape, which the growers cut off to allow multiple lateral heads to sprout. These are then carefully picked and collected in bunches together with tenderest leaves. The heads must be picked while the flowers are still closed.

Season

End of March to mid-May