Broccoflower
Originating in Holland, broccoflower has a milder flavor than broccoli or
cauliflower.
Pronounced “brahk-uh-flow-er,” this round vegetable looks like a cross
between broccoli and cauliflower, but is actually a type of cauliflower.
Originating in Holland, broccoflower is almost chartreuse in color and has a milder and
slightly sweeter flavor than its close cabbage-family relatives.
Varieties
Broccoflower is a type of cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetable.
Buying and storing tips
Broccoflower can be found in the produce section of most health food stores, specialty
markets, and supermarkets. Look for a firm, compact head with tight florets, and avoid any
heads that have begun to brown. Store unwashed, tightly wrapped broccoflower in the
refrigerator for four to five days.
Availability
Broccoflower is available all year long.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Wash broccoflower head well, cut into florets, and steam until tender. Or cook broccoflower
in stock, then purée with milk or soy milk for a fast, creamy soup.
Nutritional Highlights
Broccoflower (raw), 1 cup (93g)
Calories: 20
Protein: 1.88g
Carbohydrate: 3.9g
Total Fat: 0.19g
Fiber: 2.0g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (56mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
Health benefits and concerns
Asthma
Vitamin C, present in fruits and
vegetables, is a powerful antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory. This anti-inflammatory activity may influence the development of asthma
symptoms. A large preliminary study has shown that young children with asthma experience
significantly less wheezing if they eat a diet high in fruits rich in vitamin C.
Bruising
Many Americans eat insufficient amounts of foods containing vitamin C; the disease caused
by vitamin C deficiency, scurvy, causes easy bruising. While very few people actually have
scurvy, even minor deficiencies of vitamin C can increase the incidence of bruising. People
who experience easy bruising may want to try eating more fruits and vegetables—common
dietary sources of vitamin C.
Capillary
fragility
Eating plenty of flavonoid- and vitamin C-rich fruits
and vegetables helps to support the structure of capillaries.
High
homocysteine
A controlled trial showed that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables containing folic acid,
beta-carotene, and vitamin C effectively lowered homocysteine levels. Healthy people were
assigned to either a diet containing a pound of fruits and vegetables per day, or to a diet
containing 3 1/2 ounces (99g) of fruits and vegetables per day. After four weeks, those eating
the higher amount of fruits and vegetables had an 11 percent lower homocysteine level compared
to those eating the lower amount of fruits and vegetables.
Multiple sclerosis
(MS)
In one survey, researchers gathered information from nearly 400 people (half with MS) over
three years. They found that consumption of vegetable protein, fruit juice, and foods rich in
vitamin C, thiamine,
riboflavin, calcium,
and potassium correlated with a decreased MS risk.
Health benefits and
concerns for vegetables
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other
vegetables. Read about health benefits and concerns
for vegetables for a full description.
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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