Broccoli and Cauliflower for Health

University of Maine Cooperative Extension - Bulletin #4177

A easy-to-print PDF version of this article can be found at http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/PDFpubs/4177.pdf

By Nellie Hedstrom, Extension nutrition specialist

Broccoli and cauliflower are flowering members of the cabbage family. Other cabbage family members include Brussels sprouts, cabbage and turnips. Together, they are known as cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables have health benefits. Increasing consumption of all fruits and vegetables helps decrease your risk of chronic diseases such as cancers, heart disease, or diabetes. Scientists have found that combining broccoli with tomatoes can maximize the body’s defense against diseases. Combining different vegetables increases their antioxidant capacity. Use a wide variety of vegetables and fruits in salads and other dishes for maximum cancer–fighting capacity.

 

Nutrition Information

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium. One-half cup of cooked, chopped broccoli provides the same amount of vitamin C as 1/2 cup of orange juice. Broccoli’s dark green color indicates that it is a good source of vitamin A.

Cauliflower is a rich source of vitamin C and a good source of potassium. Remember that the phytochemical activity of these vegetables is increased when they are combined with other vegetables.

Selection

Select firm, green, tightly headed broccoli. Some may have a purplish color. This is a mark of quality.

Cauliflower should be solid, heavy and unblemished, and should have fresh green leaves.

Storage

Fresh broccoli and cauliflower should be stored in a plastic bag and refrigerated. For best quality, use within four days.

Preparation

Wash broccoli thoroughly and trim off just the end of the stem. If the outer layer of the stalk is tough, peel it.

Cauliflower may be cooked whole or broken into flowerettes. When cooking cauliflower, add milk or lemon juice to maintain whiteness.

Both broccoli and cauliflower are excellent stir-fry vegetables and may be substituted for each other in most recipes. To keep broccoli’s bright green color, cook it quickly and leave the pan uncovered for the first few minutes of cooking.

Raw: Broccoli and cauliflower are popular in relish trays when cut into flowerettes and small stem pieces.

Steaming: To steam, bring one inch of water to boil in the bottom of a pan. Place a colander or a collapsible steaming basket in the pan. Then put the vegetables in the colander or steamer and cover tightly. Reduce heat to medium-low, but make sure it is high enough to keep the water bubbling. A whole cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds) will take about 20 minutes to steam. Cauliflower or broccoli flowerettes will take 6 to 10 minutes. Broccoli stalks will take 8 to 15 minutes.

Microwaving: Place vegetables in a covered dish with 1/4 cup water. A whole cauliflower, trimmed and cored, will cook in 8 to 10 minutes. One pound of cauliflower or broccoli flowerettes will cook in 6 to 8 minutes.

Boiling: Place two gallons of water in a large pan. Heat the water to a rapid boil. Put the vegetables in a wire basket and place them in boiling water. A whole cauliflower, about 1 1/2 pounds, will take 10 to 15 minutes. (Cook head down to keep underwater.) Cauliflower and broccoli flowerettes will take 3 to 6 minutes. Broccoli stems will take 1 to 2 minutes longer than flowerettes, so begin cooking them first.

For more information, contact your University of Maine Cooperative Extension county office.

Published and distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Land Grant University of the state of Maine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Cooperative Extension and other agencies of the U.S.D.A. provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.