Where did Broccoli Originate From
Broccoli is a vegetable that comes from the plant of the same name. The vegetable is usually green and resembles a tree with a large stalk and large flower heads. The plant is a part of the cabbage family and the vegetable is actually the flower of the plant. Broccoli can be eaten raw, but it is usually eaten after being cooked via boiling or steaming, although it is also used in a variety of recipes. Although many people do not enjoy the flavor, broccoli is rich in many important vitamins and nutrients that may even have anti-cancer properties. If you have ever wondered where broccoli comes from, keep reading to find out.
Where does Broccoli come from?
It is believed that modern broccoli either evolved or was domesticated from a wild cabbage plant in Europe. It is not known exactly when this vegetable became commonly known, but it is thought to have been eaten for at least 2,000 years. Broccoli became popular during the Roman Empire and it is still considered to be a very important food in Italy. It was introduced into England in the 16th century and was taken to the Americas by Italian immigrants. However, the vegetable did not became commonly known in the U.S. until the 1920′s.
Today broccoli is grown in many parts of the world, although it requires a relatively cool climate for optimum growing conditions. The largest producers of this vegetable are China at approximately 8.5 million tonnes. India produces 5 million tonnes and 1.2 million tonnes are produced in the United States. Other large producers of broccoli are Spain, Italy, France, Mexico, Poland and Pakistan.
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