Peak harvest season for this South African grown star elevates plates with chef-approved versatility from breakfast to dinner.
Near South Africa’s Botswana border, the fields are being harvested of their deep, rich green treasure – Tenderstem® broccoli. As it reaches its seasonal peak across South African farms, leading chefs are championing this premium vegetable as the ultimate hero ingredient, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. It’s broccoli, only better.
With local crops at their absolute finest from mid-September to mid-October, now is the perfect time to discover why Tenderstem® broccoli deserves starring roles on plates nationwide, from fine dining to weeknight dinners – far beyond its traditional supporting act as a simple side dish.
“We’re seeing incredible creativity from chefs who understand that Tenderstem® is not just another green on the side. It’s a standout ingredient with real personality – bold enough to carry a dish, quick enough to suit any schedule, and refined enough to feature on the best menus in the country,” says Dave Samuels, EMEA Brand Director for Tenderstem®. “Our collaboration with talented chefs like Masego Mbanyana, Raymond Ncube and Shazia Gaffar through our Tender Conversations campaign shows us just how versatile this ingredient can be when treated with the respect it deserves.”
The sweet, crunchy vegetable is earning recognition for its remarkable adaptability as it takes centre stage as the season’s star ingredient. Whether it’s charred on the braai with lemon and chilli salt, blitzed into a zhoug-style green sauce, or crisped up in the oven with miso and sesame seeds, it’s a versatile veg that opens up serious flavour potential. Progressive chefs are incorporating Tenderstem® into unexpected territory: charred and tossed through morning scrambled eggs with feta and herbs, blended into vibrant green smoothie bowls, and even featuring in sophisticated desserts where its subtle sweetness complements chocolate tart bases.
For entertaining, Tenderstem® shines in elegant preparations like tempura-style fritters with spicy aioli, or as the foundation for show-stopping grain bowls topped with pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts and tahini dressing. Even weeknight dinners become special when Tenderstem® is quickly stir-fried with garlic and chilli or roasted until crispy and tossed through pasta with lemon and parmesan.
What sets Tenderstem® apart from regular broccoli is its inherently tender texture and distinctly sweet, slightly nutty flavour profile. Unlike conventional broccoli that can become bitter or mushy, every part of Tenderstem® – from floret to stem – delivers consistent taste and texture with minimal cooking time.
“The beauty of Tenderstem® lies in its reliability,” continues Samuels. “Chefs know they can depend on its quality and flavour, which is why we’re encouraging restaurants to proudly list ‘Tenderstem® broccoli’ on their menus rather than simply ‘broccoli’. It’s a mark of premium ingredient sourcing which really is distinctive.”
Nutritionally, Tenderstem® punches above its weight. Just 80g provides one of your daily five-a-day portions while delivering high levels of folate, vitamin A and vitamin C – all supporting immune system function. It’s also rich in fibre and provides potassium for heart health and nervous system support. This isn’t just a green vegetable that looks appetising, it’s the whole package and comes standard with a trip to flavour town every time.
The current harvest represents optimal eating quality, with hand-picked stems ensuring consistent sweetness and crunch. This seasonal window offers the best opportunity for both home cooks and professional chefs to experience Tenderstem® at its absolute peak.
Available year-round but at its seasonal best right now, Tenderstem® broccoli can be prepared using virtually any cooking method – steaming, roasting, grilling or stir-frying. Its quick cooking time and zero-waste credentials make it ideal for both rushed weeknight meals and leisurely weekend cooking projects.
The Tender Conversations campaign continues to showcase how South Africa’s leading culinary talents are reimagining this premium ingredient, proving that when treated as the star rather than the sidekick, Tenderstem® broccoli delivers exceptional results every time.
ALSO SEE: Broccolini with crispy fried capers, rustic croutons and goat’s cheese
Broccolini with crispy fried capers, rustic croutons and goat’s cheese
Image: Supplied
