Broccoli

Broccolini, also called baby broccoli, was created by breeding broccoli and gai lan. Gai lan is a vegetable common in Asian, particularly Chinese, cuisine. Other names for gai lan include Chinese kale, Chinese broccoli, or kailaan.

Broccolini has smaller florets than broccoli and long, tender stems. The taste profile is slightly peppery and sweet. It has risen up the vegetable ranks to become a favorite of chefs and diners across the globe. Like its more common cousin broccoli, broccolini is packed to the gills with good-for-you nutrients.

Broccolini is loaded with vitamins A and D, which contribute to keeping you healthy and your immune system up to par. Vitamin A famously benefits your eye health, and both vitamins contribute to healthy skin. Broccolini is also high in both calcium and magnesium, which help to regulate your blood pressure. As a cruciferous vegetable, it is high in fiber. Fiber keeps you full for longer periods of time, helps you digest food properly, and prevents constipation. It also keeps your blood sugar at a low level.

You can get protein from broccolini, too. One cup of broccolini has the same amount of protein you’d find in a cup of white rice. The main difference is, broccolini has about half the calories of that cup of rice.