…and it’s got immune-boosting properties: purple-sprouting broccoli is the vegetable highlight right now at Ilmington Community Shop! This super-healthy food is grown up the hill by Drinkwaters of Ebrington and is the perfect accompaniment to meat and fish, or delicious on its own. “We grow the crop ourselves,” says Andrew Drinkwater, “and although it has a long season, spring has the best varieties. It eats better at this time of year.” We are not talking about Calabrese, the large green heads, which actually crop in late summer in the UK and aren’t strictly broccoli at all. Purple-sprouting is a winter-to-spring crop which contains more antioxidants than its green cousin. It’s incredibly high in Vitamin C which supports the immune system: just what we need in these lockdown days. The nutrients are sensitive with overcooking, so keep it simple. For instance, steam the whole stems for four minutes and serve with a dab of butter. The leaves can also be used to add a bright green colour to curries and casseroles
