Did You Know: Broccoli

Beautiful crowns of our green broccoli varieties will soon be available at our farmstand, picked fresh first thing in the morning and ready for pickup when you get out of work.

We have two new varieties coming, "Green Magic" and "Marathon", both earthy, savory, and robust. Incredibly good for you too! Have a look below and see why you should be eating broccoli everyday.

Of all vegetables in the Brassica family broccoli has shown the highest levels of protection against prostate cancer. Broccoli comes in several varieties but the darker the color the more beneficial the nutrients the vegetable contains. It contains sulforaphane and indoles, which have strong anticancer benefits particularly against breast and colon cancer. Broccoli is also high in flavonoids, which have been linked with a significant reduction in ovarian cancer. The chemicals in broccoli protect against stomach ulcers, stomach and lung cancer, and possibly skin cancer. They also act as a detoxifier helping lower bad blood cholesterol, boosting the immune system, and protecting against cataracts.

The Good Stuff:

• contains sulforaphane, activates enzymes destroy cancer cells
• helps lower bad cholesterol and protect against heart disease
• contains lutein and zeaxathin, helps prevent macular degeneration
• helps eradicate H.pylori bacteria
• high calcium content helps build and protect bones
• contains vitamins C, K, A, and B6, potassium, riboflavin, folate, and manganese
• excellent source of antioxidants and selenium
• 3 to 5 servings a week offers protection against cancer

Facts:

• peak season October through May
• you can eat the leaves of broccoli as well as the stocks and the florets, they contain as much goodness and taste great too
• did you know broccoli spouts have 20 times more cancer fighting power than their grown up counterparts
• add to sandwiches scrambled eggs salad and soups

Tips:

• look for heads rich with deep color avoid any pale yellow or brown patches on the florets
• store in the refrigerator and use within a few days of purchase 
• frozen broccoli contains all nutrients of fresh broccoli, purchase in bulk 
• cook lightly by steaming or stir-fry

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​Reference: 100 Best health Foods, Eat This Not That, Cooking Light What to Eat
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