Broccoli belongs to the Brassica family, along with brussel sprouts and cabbage. Hybrid types of broccoli include broccolini and broccoflower (a cross between broccoli and cauliflower). Select firm and green broccoli and broccoli hybrids with densely packed heads.

There are four main varieties of broccoli: Calabrese, Purple Sprouting, White Sprouting, and Broccoli Rabe. Calabrese is the most common type of broccoli. It has large, green heads with thick stalks. Purple sprouting broccoli has thin stalks and small, purple heads.