Calabrese

Nutrition

Renowned as a ‘superfood’, calabrese is particularly high in vitamins C and K and iron.

How to grow

Grow in rich, deep soil and plenty of sun, although light shade is best in hot areas where plants may bolt. Calabrese dislikes root disturbance, so either sow where the crop is to grow, placing several seeds at each station and thinning to one, or raise plants in small pots, transplanting when still small. Keep moist at all times. Brassicas are liable to several pests and diseases: use fine mesh to protect from pests such as cabbage caterpillars, while clubroot disease can be avoided by growing in alkaline soil (add lime to your soil if it’s acidic) and choosing resistant varieties.

Harvest

Cut heads when well formed but before the flowers open. Once the central head is cut, smaller ones will be produced as side shoots.

How to store

Florets keep in the fridge for several days and also freeze well.

Our choices

‘Ironman’ Large blue-green heads with fine beads. ‘Komodo’ Compact plants with good clubroot resistance. ‘Marathon’ High yielding with good-sized heads on sturdy plants.