Human Shield (1893); Broccoli Rabe (1928); Snail Salad

Tue Jan 28 02:52:19 UTC 2003

In a message dated 1/27/03 8:10:54 PM, funex79 at SLONET.ORG writes:

<< Isn't broccoli rabe the same thing as broccoli rape of which there are many

cites in google?

 >>

Yes. "Rape" means "turnips" in Italian. The proper Italian term is "Broccoli
di rape". I believe "Broccoli rabe" is a variation based in southern
dialects,and it probably gained currency in English because of the
uncomfortable association with the word "rape" -- probably the same reason
"rapeseed oil" is now called "canola oil."

Steve Boatti