Broccoli is a “man-made” food. - FactzPedia

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Broccoli is a “man-made” food.

Broccoli is a “man-made” food.

Broccoli is manmade. It was carefully bred by Italian farmers more than 2,000 years ago, carefully breeding different types of wild cabbage to create it.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an edible green plant in the cabbage family (family Brassicaceae, genus Brassica) whose large flowering head, stalk and small associated leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

Let's start with broccoli's background. Over 2000 years ago (we are talking Roman Empire here) the Etruscans first brought broccoli to current day Italy. The Etruscans are credited for several agriculture endeavors including acquiring the base for commercial broccoli, wild cabbage. This wild cabbage plant species is known as Brassica oleracea. Shortly after becoming a hit, it took on the name "Italian asparagus". 

Like every good historical product, it began to be traded throughout the world, until it reached the United States. In the 1700s, famous farming genius Thomas Jefferson planted some of the first broccoli on American soil. Interestingly enough, broccoli didn't actually become a hit in the U.S. until the 1920s.

According to a survey by Green Giant, broccoli is held near and dear to America's heart. It is a household favorite vegetable, earning the popular vote in 39 of the 50 states

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