Cima di rapa, also called rapini or broccoli rabe is a turnip top that has been developed for its delicious green efflorescence and young leaves that tastes slightly bitter and peppery. It grows very quickly and is best in cooler weather. It is cooked quickly in boiling water and then best braised in a little olive oil flavoured with chilli and garlic to be served as a side dish or as a sauce with pasta. Packet contains 15g for about 6,000 seeds.

Sow throughout the year in temperate regions, 1 seed/2.5cm in rows 30cm apart, 0.6cm deep. Thin to 1 plant 10cm. Try to pick the broccoli-like heads before they flower. About 30 days to harvest so succession plant every 2 weeks for a continuous supply.

To see an article on Cima di Rapa in Gardening Australia by Maggie Beer click here.