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Romanesco is a striking fractal-patterned vegetable with chartreuse-green spiraling florets. A cross between broccoli and cauliflower, it has a milder, nuttier flavor than either and the most stunning appearance of any vegetable.
Romanesco displays a natural Fibonacci spiral - each floret is a miniature version of the whole head, creating a mathematical fractal pattern. This natural algorithm creates the mesmerizing spiraling cones. It's one of the clearest examples of fractals in nature.
Romanesco has a flavor between broccoli and cauliflower but milder and nuttier than either. It lacks the sulfurous bite of broccoli and bland-ness of cauliflower. The texture is slightly firmer than cauliflower. It's often described as the most delicious of the three.
Avoid boiling, which turns it gray-green. Quick steam (3-4 minutes), roast at high heat, or blanch briefly and ice bath immediately. Adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to cooking water helps retain the bright green color. Don't overcook.
Store romanesco unwashed in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Like cauliflower, it's sensitive to moisture - don't wash until ready to use. Brown spots indicate aging.
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