Forget chocolates and jewellery, one man has proven that Tenderstem broccoli can be a romantic gift.
Comedy TikToker India Atkinson adores the cruciferous vegetable but was left doing a double-take when her boyfriend of two-and-a-half years, Eddie Baird, presented her with a Valentine’s Day treat like no other.
He planned an entire evening around his girlfriend’s favourite veg, from creating a ‘bro-quet’ to sprinkling pieces into a heart shape on their bed.
India, who has 610,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok combined (@indiasasha) later shared a video of the ‘broccoli bombing’ online, where it has left social media users hailing her partner a hero.
”Eddie is always quite imaginative on Valentine’s Day but this is the best yet,” said the influencer, who lives with her beau in Belfast.
“I adore Tenderstem – I eat it most days, but I never thought he’d use it for romance.
“I loved it, it’s so personal and makes me feel like he really knows me.
”Who doesn’t love Tenderstem broccoli, right?”
The clip, which has racked up almost 60,000 views in just one day, shows the extent of this Romeo’s efforts.
In the footage, Eddie asks India, 22, to close her eyes before leading her into their house.
The camera then pans to the couple’s hallway, with brassica scattered across the floor and trailing up the stairs.
There’s also an impressive edible bouquet on a table, stuffed full of her beloved green stems.
Eddie, 26, even went as far as to adorn the couple’s bed with dozens of florets, replacing the more traditional rose petals, in the shape of a heart.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, the tub has been lined with the vegetable – just in case the couple need a snack during a romantic soak later that night.
In the video, India says, “Oh my god, you got a bouquet of Tenderstems for me?.” before picking a piece from it and taking a bite out of it.
She adds, “At least I’m going to be getting one of my five-a-day, is that why you did this for me?”, to which her partner replies “Yeah”.
Social media users have been left baffled but delighted at the bizarre Valentine’s Day gift.
”Knowing how much tender stems cost this defo cost more than roses well done sir,” said Michael Esler. [sic]
“That’s actually adorable,” said Charlene.
“This is equally weird and adorable, I love it,” added Jordan.
“I hope you are gonna pick all that up,” said Michelle, to which India replied “No way, I want tenderstem trees to grow on my stairs.”
“The famous video !!!, Love it,” said Ross. [sic]
Eddie said: “I was tired of the usual romantic stuff, so I knew I had to come up with something to make India laugh.
“Just like the veg itself, I wanted to do something sweet, but a little bit nutty.
“Our fridge is always stocked with Tenderstem and I tease her about her
strange snack all the time.
“The ‘bro-quet’ is my favourite part, I got it as a custom order and they loved the idea.
“I thought her followers would love to see what I did, as they know how much she loves Tenderstem.”
The flowers were created by Keady Flowers in Armagh and cost £75.
Florist Sophia Hughes said: The stems are the perfect addition to make a Valentine’s bouquet that’s a little bit more unique.
“They look beautiful on a dinner plate, so I just thought why not use them as part of a floral arrangement?”
Following India’s post, the Tenderstem company, which has trademarked the name, contacted the florist to create a limited-edition run of the bro-uquets – and give away five of them in a same-day competition.
Keady Flowers has also shared an Instagram how-to video for anyone who wants to attempt to re-create it at home.
