Broccoli has been grown here in the UK since the early 18th-century, having originally been cultivated by the Romans. The purple sprouting variety has become increasingly popular over the last few decades, owing to its interesting appearance and tender stalks. Broccoli is from the brassica family – a genus of the mustard family – and therefore related to cabbage, kale and cauliflower. This troop of nutrient rich, flavourful veg dutifully see us through the winter months and allow for a variety of seasonal, UK-grown veg in our VegBoxes each week.
Steaming or stir frying your purple sprouting broccoli is the best way to keep hold of its all-important nutrients, one of which is the anti-carcinogenic compound sulforaphane. Purple sprouting broccoli is also a great source of vitamin C (containing more of it than oranges) and folic acid, which is said to protect against heart disease and strokes.
This nutrient powerhouse is also home to betacarotene and other caretenoids (antioxidants which protect against cancer) as well as iron, B vitamins, zinc, calcium, fibre and vitamin A.
Did you know? Broccoli gets its name from the Italian word ‘brocco’, which means branch or arm.
Image from natoora.co.uk