What is broccoli raab?

by Cookthink

Also known as brocoletti di rape, rape and rapini in Italian and cultivar in Chinese, raab is a leafy, long-stalked green vegetable dotted with miniature broccoliesque buds. Related to the turnip and the cabbage, broccoli raab (sometimes spelled rabe) has an intense, nutty, bitter flavor which the Italians love and Americans have largely left to farm animals. Chinese cultivar is lighter in color, more tender, and generally lack the bitterness of western raab. Recipe: Braised Broccoli Raab Recipe: Orecchiette With Broccoli Raab And Parmesan