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brassica oleracea

Rapini or Spring Raab Broccoli - Heirloom, Non Gmo Seeds

Rapini, also known as  Broccoli Raab is often confused as a type of broccoli. Although it is in the same family as broccoli (cruciferous) its actually in the mustard family and closely related to turnips. The stems, leaves and cluster of buds are all edible with a sharp, bitter and somewhat nutty flavour.

Its incredibly versatile being used in soups, pasta dishes, on sandwiches, pestos and sauteed as a side vegetable. 

Rapini is a good source of vitamin K, A and C and contains strong anti-inflammatory nutrients. 

Days to Maturity 60

Packet Contains 200

Regular price $3.50 CAD
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Growing Rapini (Broccoli Rabe) - Benefits and Instructions

 

 

Benefits of Growing Rapini (Broccoli Rabe)

  • Medicinal- Health benefits of broccoli rabe, including reducing cardiovascular risk, strengthening bone mineral density, preventing certain cancers and managing blood sugar levels.
  • Nutritional Profile - Plant based source of omega fatty acids, vitamin C, K and A. Rapini also contains calcium and potassium.
  • Use in: Soups, stews, pasta, braised, grilled, pickled. pizza.
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Growing Instructions 

Culture:

Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Well drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.  Add plenty of manure, or compost prior to planting.
Moisture: Rapini prefers consistently moist soil. Mulching will help retain  moisture levels, temperature and keep weeds down.
Planting: Rapini can be grown from early spring to fall, but it often gets more bitter in hot weather. Rapini is best started direct from seed in the garden after all signs of frost are gone.
Spacing: Plant 1 rapini plant per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method.  Or plant in rows 10-12 inches apart.
Sow seeds: Plant seeds 1/8-1/4 inch deep

 

Harvesting:

Harvest rapini when plants are 1 to 2 feet tall, and flower buds have just begun to appear. Keep a keen eye on plants, however, as they bolt extremely quick. Using a pair of clean and sharp garden shears, cut the stem 5 inches below the bud. Trimming broccoli rabe down to the ground after the first harvest is not recommended. After you cut the first shoot, the plant will grow another small shoot that is also edible. This can be harvested later in the season.

Storage/Preparation:

Rapini should be wrapped in a plastic bag and refrigerated for up to 3 days.  It’s best to use it right away. Rapini freezes well either raw or blanched and can be pickled as well.

Companions:

Cucumber, beet, carrot, spinach, eggplant.

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