Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we went to the Central Market of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The website gives the following information, “Designated as a market town in 1730, the City of Lancaster is home to Lancaster Central Market, the oldest, continuously running public farmers’ market in the country. More than 60 local vendors call the beautiful 1889 Market House home three days each week.” We went to buy food for our feast. We stopped at the fresh vegetable stall and bought lettuce. We stopped at the poultry shop and picked up a never frozen and fresh turkey. We stopped at the fudge shop. We spent some time at the pickle vendor. We bought white sweet potatoes and fresh green beans.
At Elmer’s stand, we stood in awe of the colorful carrots (orange, red, yellow, white and marroon) We eyed the cauliflower which also came in maroon, yellow and white. We, however, were stopped in our tracks by this green other worldly growth. It sat between the cauliflower and the broccoli. Elmer assured us that he grew it in his field and that it did not come from the ocean as some people had assumed. The sign said it was a “Romanesco".
It has an odd spiky appearance, and all the spikes are curving fractals, as if it were designed by a math nerd. I assumed it was some new connection by modern science. I was surprised to find that it was first described in botanical descriptions in the 1500’s. I have never seen it, nor the crowd with me. According to wiki it is called Romanesco broccoli (also known as Roman cauliflower, Broccolo Romanesco, Romanesque cauliflower, or simply Romanesco, and sometimes Broccoflower). It seemed confused as to what it is.
I wish we had bought some and cooked it. We were hurrying to finish our essential shopping, so we missed this golden opportunity. I just took the picture, which does not answer my questions. What does it taste like? Is it sweet, sour, bitter? If it was any good, would’nt I have seen it before? Is it hard to grow? It is described as having a firmer texture than traditional cauliflower (which I only like if it is limp) and a “delicate, nutty flavor.” Next time, I’m buying it.
Have you missed out on something because you are distracted? Have you missed out on learning, growing, expanding your relationships because your menu is already filled? What if we all stopped just a little while longer and looked each other in the eye and found out just a little more information about each other. I bet we would gasp in awe as we learned each other’s story. Next time, buy the Romanesco.