Broccoli rabe is a little-known leafy crop grown for edible buds and stems that have an earthy and peppery flavor. The crop, also commonly known as rapini, is popular in Southern Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines.
It is a cool-weather crop that quickly grows. The buds, which look similar to small broccoli heads, and stems should be picked at the right time as they are delicious when closed but turn increasingly bitter as they open.
