Organic Sessantina

Sessantina, Broccoli Raab, Cima di Rapa
Latin name Brassica Rapa L
Approximately 450 seeds per g

Sessantina is not a true oriental. It is a brassica and it is closely related to the turnip mustard greens but the name, Sessantina is Italian and means ‘around sixty’, the number of days from sowing to harvest. It is very popular in Italy and many strains are available, like Quarantina which translates to around 40, again relating to the number of days from planting to harvest. Another confusing thing is the alternative names it is known by this includes Cima di Rapa and broccoli raab. As we have said it is related to the turnip greens and is not a broccoli. Perhaps this name comes from the sprouting heads, which the plant readily produces and which resemble broccoli spears.

Whatever the true lineage of this plant it is worth including in the oriental salad section. It is a very quick growing salad crop. The green leaves have a slightly serrated edge and the young leaves are tender with a mild peppery taste.

How to grow
Sow seed in well prepared ground from April until September. Succession sow throughout these months to get a constant supply, very fast growing and usually ready well before the 60 days the name suggests. Thin as necessary to give a distance of about 10 cm which allows the plants to develop fully.
Harvest individual leaves or wait for the head to form and cut it off with the top 8 to 10 cm of stem which will, at this stage be tender and tasty.

Pests and diseases.
Protect the plants from slugs with an environmentally friendly method. Flea beetle may also be a problem. You can protect the plants from flea beetle using fine mesh.

How to cook
Eat raw in salads or try this easy Italian recipe.
500g broccoli raab stems
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves of garlic sliced
salt to taste
red pepper flakes to taste.

Wash the sessantina and cut any tough ends off, drain. Heat the oil gently, add the garlic and cook for a minute then add the broccoli raab and season with salt and pepper. Add a small amount of water, cover the pan and steam until the broccoli is tender.