Vegetables

Broccoli raab, raw

FDC 170381cup chopped (40 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 99 · +6 vs Vegetables median

Broccoli raab, raw scores 99 of 100, Elite band, ranking 11 of 60 vegetables, at 22 calories per 100 grams. Its standout figures are more modest than the top-ranked greens: vitamin C at 22% DV, vitamin A at 15% DV, iron at 12% DV, and vitamin E at 11% DV, with protein as the leading macro.

Also called rapini, broccoli raab has a distinctly bitter, mustardy flavor and is usually blanched then sauteed with garlic and chili flakes rather than eaten raw. A cup chopped (40 grams) is a typical raw measure before cooking; its bitterness means it is rarely eaten in the large raw quantities that milder greens like spinach are.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around broccoli raab, raw, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 3.2 g · 45%Carb 2.9 g · 40%Fat 0.5 g · 15%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories22 kcal1%
Total fat0.49 g1%
Saturated fat0.08 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium33 mg1%
Carbohydrate2.9 g1%
Dietary fiber2.7 g10%
Sugars0.38 g
Protein3.2 g6%
Potassium196 mg4%
Calcium108 mg8%
Iron2.1 mg12%
Magnesium22 mg5%
Vitamin C20 mg22%
Vitamin A131 µg15%
Vitamin E1.6 mg11%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 170381

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin C22% DV
Vitamin A15% DV
Iron12% DV
Vitamin E11% DV
Dietary fiber10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the vegetables median

Nutrient density99 vs 93 median
Protein / 100 g3.2 vs 1.7 median
Fiber / 100 g2.7 vs 2.5 median
Sodium / 100 g33 vs 22 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Turnip greens, rawDensity 99 vs 99Taro leaves, rawDensity 99 vs 99Collards, rawDensity 99 vs 99

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Broccoli raab (rapini) is more closely related to turnips than to broccoli, and its flavor reflects that: assertively bitter with a peppery bite, which is why it is usually blanched briefly before sauteing with garlic, olive oil and chile flakes, a classic pairing with orecchiette pasta or Italian sausage. The stalks, leaves and small florets are all edible, though the stalks benefit from being trimmed and blanched a little longer than the leaves to soften.

Choose bunches with firm stalks and tight, unopened florets, avoiding any that have started to flower yellow, and store it unwashed in a bag in the crisper for a few days. At 22 calories per 100 grams, broccoli raab is a low-calorie way to build a pasta or sausage dish around vegetables, and it supplies 22% DV of vitamin C and 12% DV of iron, useful figures for a vegetable often served alongside a protein like sausage or beans.

Frequently asked questions about broccoli raab, raw

How many calories are in broccoli raab?

Raw broccoli raab has 22 calories per 100 grams.

How do you prepare broccoli raab?

It is usually blanched briefly, then sauteed with garlic, olive oil and chile flakes, a classic pairing with pasta or sausage.

Is broccoli raab a good source of vitamin C?

Yes, it provides 22% DV of vitamin C and 12% DV of iron per 100 grams.

View the USDA source record