Delicious and nutritious purple broccoli
Is Broccoli Turning Purple?
Amy Beney MS RD
I recently went to a farmers market and found an unusual sight. A beautiful purple head of broccoli. It looks different but is it the same?
What is purple sprouting broccoli?
Purple sprouting broccoli is grown from seeds. It is also know as purple broccoli. It is more difficult to grow and in some regions of the world more expensive. It is often is available in the late winter and through the early spring months. It is a cool season plant and is sometimes referred to as ‘winter sprouting broccoli.’
Cooking purple broccoli
Purple sprouting broccoli was found to have higher contents of antioxidants compared to green broccoli. Overall, purple-sprouting broccoli was found to contain higher contents of antioxidant compounds than green broccoli. In a study by Yvette Porter in 2012 (1), purple-sprouting broccoli retained higher antioxidant status after cooking may have a more beneficial effect in terms of retaining antioxidants.
Ways to prepare purple broccoli:
- Roasting
- Steaming
- Microwave
- Raw
How to grow purple broccoli
Green broccoli is easier to grow than purple broccoli. Purple broccoli grows more slowly and less productive. It makes the price is more expensive.
Purple broccoli nutrition
Diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables are known to lower the risk of chronic disease. Green broccoli and purple broccoli contain many nutrients that can prevent and manage chronic diseases.
Purple broccoli is an excellent source of
- vitamin C
- vitamins K
- vitamin A.
- folates
- B-complex vitamins
- manganese
- iron
Purple broccoli is a source of a moderate amount of dietary fiber, potassium, protein, calcium, copper, magnesium, and selenium, and contains trace amounts of zinc and sodium.
Purple broccoli and green broccoli have a similar taste. If you like broccoli, cook or prepare purple broccoli the same way. It is a great way to reintroduce a fun new vegetable.
Antioxidants in broccoli
Both green and purple broccolis contain high levels antioxidants which help fight off chronic disease. These are some examples of the antioxidants in both broccolis.
Phytonutrients and flavonoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which provide beneficial antioxidants.
Sulforaphane- thought to help prevent cancer and which may provide resistance against heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes.
(1) Antioxidant properties of green broccoli and purple-sprouting broccoli under different cooking conditions. Yvette Porter
