BROCCOLI

A little about broccoli..

Broccoli was the result of breeding different crops to help improve and combat genetic erosion in the food supply in the northern Mediterranean around the sixth century BCE by the Etruscans.

Broccoli is relatively new to the United States, having been grown in California since 1923. It did not gain popularity until after WWII.

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Broccoli is part of the cabbage family.

Broccoli has large flowering heads, a stalk and small leaves, dark green in color, arranged in a tree-like structure branching from a stalk.

China is the largest broccoli producer in the world, producing roughly 10,707,171 TONS each year.

India is the second largest producer of broccoli in the world.

California grows 90% of the broccoli produced within the United States and accounts for just under 5% of global production.

Broccoli contains more vitamin C than oranges.

The word "broccoli" comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means "the flowering crest of a cabbage", and is the diminutive form of brocco, meaning "small nail" or "sprout".

George H. W. Bush banned broccoli from Air Force One.

There are dozens of different varieties of broccoli.

The heaviest head of broccoli on record weighed in at 35 pounds, grown in Alaska in 1993!

Health Benefits

Broccoli is considered a superfood!

Broccoli contain no cholesterol, or fat and is low in sodium.

Great source of fiber, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, chromium, selenium, protein.

Rich in vitamin C, K, A, E, B-vitamins, and folate.

An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports heart and liver health, increase in energy, anti-cancer properties.

Helps promote normal gut health, healthy aging, reduces oxidative stress, helps build strong bones and healthy joints, supports healthy hair, brain, and heart.

Let's hear it for the amazing powers of broccoli!