b'2023 NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAUS YEAR OF CROPS YEAR OF THE BROCCOLIOrigin: Broccoli was originally found in the Mediterranean region and has been eaten there since Roman times. Family: BrassicaceaeScientific Name: Brassica oleraceaHistory: Europe started eating broccoli later after the Romanseventually, it was popularized in France as Italian Asparagus in 1650, and the English adopted it about 70 years later. Broccoli wasnt introduced to North America until the 1900s, when Italian immigrants planted it in their family gardens in New Yorkit finally made it to the West Coast in the late 1920s. Today, California produces over 90% of the U.S. broccoli crop. Noteworthy Stats: In 2011, the U.S. produced more than 2 billion pounds of broccoli with a value of over $750 million moon more than 130,000 acres, according to the National Garden Bureau. Health Benefits: Broccoli is high in antioxidants, amino acids, folate and vita-min C. Its also an immunity booster thanks to its zinc and vitamin content. Close Relatives: Broccoli is related to cauliflower, kale, cabbage, turnips, ruta-bagas, Brussels sprouts and Chinese cabbage. It also has more protein than most other green vegetables. Basic Variety Types: There are three different popular types of broccoli to grow and eat: broccoli raab, heading broccoli and baby broccoli. Popular Varieties: Spring Rapini Broccoli Raab Green MagicMarathon ArtworkName Origin: Broccoli comes from the Latin word brachium which means branch or arm. Did You Know?: The U.S. ranks third in the world for top broccoli export pro-duction, with Spain and Mexico being No. 1 and No. 2. Breeders: Eden Brothers, Harris Seeds, McKenzie, Plant Good Seed, Park Seed, True Leaf Market, Ferry Morse, Earl May, Pinetree, Gurneys, Rohrer Seeds, Totally Tomatoes, Seeds N Such, Hoss, Jung Seed, Botanical Interests, Gardeners Supply Company, Osborne Quality Seeds, Territorial Seed Company, Willhite, Burpee, Victory Seed Company, Johnnys Selected Seeds, West Coast SeedsSources: National Garden Bureau, USDA34/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2023'