Romanesco is a brassica closely related to cauliflower, recognised by its pointed spiral florets and mild nutty-brassica flavour.
Selection and Storage
Choose dense heads with firm bright florets and minimal browning. Refrigerate unwashed and use while the florets remain crisp.
Preparation and Culinary Uses
Separate into even florets for roasting, steaming, blanching or sautéing. Avoid overcooking if you want to preserve its distinctive structure and a firmer texture.
Chef’s Notes
Assess freshness, aroma, texture and intensity before committing the ingredient to a dish. Season and cook according to the ingredient in front of you rather than treating natural produce as perfectly uniform.
Substitution Principle
Substitute by culinary function and flavour balance. A replacement may match bitterness, aroma, acidity or texture without being identical, so adjust the surrounding seasoning as needed.
Always Cook with Heart. Always!