Short answer: soak 1 tablespoon of rapini seed for 2 to 4 hours, then rinse and drain it twice a day in a jar. Give it a little indirect light on day 4 and harvest at 4 to 5 days. For microgreens, sow 15 to 25 g per 10 × 20 inch tray and cut at 10 to 14 days.
What is rapini?
Rapini (Brassica rapa var. ruvo), also called broccoli raab, is popular in Italian cooking. Despite the name, it's closer to turnip than to broccoli. Its sprouts have a bitter-sweet, broccoli-like taste with a little more bite than broccoli sprouts. Sprouting.com gives it 4 to 5 days as sprouts and 10 to 14 as microgreens.1
How to grow rapini sprouts
- Day0
Soak
Soak 1 tablespoon of seed for 2 to 4 hours.
- Day0–4
Rinse and drain
Drain into a jar with a mesh lid. Rinse and drain twice a day.
- Day4
Light
Give a few hours of indirect light to green the leaves.
- Day4–5
Harvest
Rinse, drain, dry and refrigerate.
Tips for growing rapini sprouts
- Soak 2 to 4 hours. Longer soaks aren't needed.
- Use 1 tablespoon per quart jar.
- Rinse twice a day and drain completely.
- Harvest at 4 to 5 days. Older sprouts get more bitter.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fuzzy white roots | Normal root hairs | Rinse; they flatten when wet |
| Sour smell or slime | Poor drainage | Drain fully, keep the jar cool |
| Very bitter | Grown too long | Harvest at 4 days |
| Pale leaves | No light at the end | A few hours of indirect light on day 4 |
Rapini vs broccoli sprouts
Despite the name, broccoli raab is closer to turnip than to broccoli. Its sprouts have more bitterness and bite. Broccoli sprouts are milder and are the ones studied for sulforaphane. If you like strong greens, try a mix of both.
Rapini microgreens
Sow 15 to 25 g per 10 × 20 inch tray, keep it dark for 2 to 3 days, then give light. Cut at 10 to 14 days.
How to eat rapini sprouts
- Sautéed with garlic, chili and olive oil, then tossed with pasta
- On Italian sandwiches with sausage or provolone
- Folded into scrambled eggs or a frittata
- In a mixed sprout salad with milder alfalfa
Storing and eating rapini sprouts
Use within 5 days. Rapini sprouts are good with garlic and olive oil, on pasta, and on Italian sandwiches. A quick sauté tames their bitterness. See sautéed sprouts.
Safety
The FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat raw or lightly cooked sprouts, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook them.23
Broccoli raab (rapini) FAQ
What does rapini taste like?
Bitter-sweet and nutty, like a stronger broccoli. Cooking softens the bitterness.
How long do rapini sprouts take?
About 4 to 5 days after a 2 to 4 hour soak.
Is rapini the same as broccolini?
No. Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Rapini (broccoli raab) is a different plant, Brassica rapa.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
