Broccoli

Broccoli or broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica Plenck ) (from the Italian broccoli, " brussels sprouts " ), also known as friability, asparagus, winter flowers or sprouts is a closely related to the cauliflower vegetable plant from the family of cruciferous plants ( Brassicaceae).

Description

It grows like cauliflower, and consist, as in this the " florets " of the head of the immature inflorescences, buds, however, are already clearly visible. The head is usually from deep green to blue- green color; rare are violet, yellow and white varieties. Broccoli has a growing period 14-15 weeks.

Broccoli is harvested as soon as the middle flower is well trained and still closed. The still closed inflorescences are cut by 10 to 15 centimeters long stem and leaves. From the lateral buds to another small flower heads, which can be cut at a later time to develop. Can be harvested and utilized the flower alone as flowers or vegetables complete with sturdy stems.

History

A native of Asia Minor Broccoli in Europe was initially only known in Italy. By Caterina de ' Medici he arrived in the 16th century to France and as " Italian asparagus " to England, to be finally introduced by U.S. President Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century, first as a test plant in the United States.

The main growing areas in Europe, the western Mediterranean countries, especially the area around Verona in Italy. In Germany there are about broccoli June to October, locally sourced produce.

Ingredients

Broccoli is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and sodium, and vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, E and especially ascorbic acid ( vitamin C) and carotene (provitamin A).

Next, it contains numerous phytochemicals (flavonoids, glucosinolates and others). Glucosinolates in turn store various indoles and isothiocyanates many, which have a great potential carcinostatic. Included in broccoli are following isothiocyanates: sulforaphane, 3 - Methylsulfinylpropylisothiocyanat, 3 - butenyl, allyl isothiocyanate and 4- Methylsulfinylbutylisothiocyanat.

In particular, for the ingredient sulforaphane ( SUL, 1- isothiocyanato -4-( methylsulphinyl ) butane ) was demonstrated in several studies in cell culture and animal studies anti-cancer effects and a gain of chemotherapy especially in pancreatic cancer and in prostate cancer. So far, however, is not yet clear whether the necessary amount can be covered by the daily food intake.

Use in the kitchen and preparation

Broccoli can be both raw and cooked enjoy. Usual way to 15 minutes Cooking time 10 specified in boiling water.

Not only the roses, but also the tender leaves and the stems, which can be cause such as asparagus, are edible. For Broccoli short cooking times are recommended, since the anti-cancer ingredients are very soluble in water and enzymes ( myrosinase ) denature. By steaming or stir frying so many of these substances are preserved.

As a spice suit broccoli along with salt and freshly grated nutmeg, garlic and toasted pine nuts or almond leaves.

Even sprouts are grown from the seeds, they can be eaten raw in salads or can be found as decoration on food again.

Broccoli varieties (Selection)

• Atlantic
• Calabreser
• Corvet
• Green Sprouting
• Purple Sprouting
• Primo
• Belstar
• Sparco
• Southern Comet
• Legacy
• Marathon
• Corona
• Samurai