Broccoli, Brassica oleracea
Brassica oleracea
Brassica oleracea is a plant species that includes many common foods as cultivars, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, savoy, kohlrabi, and gai lan. In its uncultivated form, it is called "wild cabbage,” and is native to coastal southern and …
Is broccoli a flower or a stem?
Broccoli crowns—the part of the veggie most people eat—is actually a cluster of flowers. The part beneath the crown is part of the stem. Broccoli happens to be flower vegetable.
Where does Broccoli come from?
Broccoli may also be referred to as sprouting broccoli and likely originates from the Mediterranean although the exact location has not been determined. Broccoli heads are consumed after boiling or fresh in salads.
What is the nutritional value of broccoli stems?
Nutrition Facts. Broccoli stems are as nutritious as the broccoli crown. One hundred grams of broccoli stems contains 28 calories, 2.98 grams of protein, 48 milligrams of calcium, .88 milligrams of iron, 25 milligrams of magnesium, 325 milligrams of potassium, 27 milligrams of sodium and 400 IU of vitamin A.
What are broccoli stems good for?
Broccoli stems contain a number of essential vitamins and nutrients, and can be used in recipes such as stir fry or pesto. When you get a bunch of broccoli, your instinct may be to toss the stems, and keep the flowers. But did you know that the stem contains just as many nutrients as the whole broccoli?
Is broccoli the stem?
We're talking about the stem of the stalk of the broccoli, which has the exact same nutrient profile as its dark green head. Another reason why broccoli stalks often get thrown out is because they are tough to cook. Broccoli stalks may take much longer to become tender and soft than the florets.
Is broccoli a leaf vegetable?
The leaf and leafstalk vegetables include brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, lettuce, rhubarb, and spinach. Among the bulb vegetables are garlic, leeks, and onions. The head, or flower, vegetables include artichokes, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Are broccoli roots?
Broccoli is considered a shallow-rooted vegetable, and it is categorized with other plants that have roots which extend 12 to 36 inches into the soil. Broccoli roots specifically, typically extend only 12 to 18 inches deep.
Is broccoli leaves or flower?
Edible broccoli florets (Brassica oleracea, variety italica). Broccoli is a fast-growing annual plant that grows 60–90 cm (24–35 inches) tall. Upright and branching with leathery leaves, broccoli bears dense green clusters of flower buds at the ends of the central axis and the branches.
What part is broccoli?
Broccoli has two main edible parts, the florets — the dark green forest-y tops which are actually undeveloped flower buds — and the stalk — the pale green undercarriage like the trunk of a tree.
Which part of the plant is broccoli?
Flowers: Broccoli, Cauliflower Cabbage.
What type of vegetable is broccoli?
Cruciferous veggiesCruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes.
What is this broccoli?
What is broccoli? Broccoli is a branched, green vegetable with either purple or more commonly green flower buds. It belongs to the brassica family, along with cauliflower, cabbage and kale, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Can you grow broccoli from stem?
Broccoli is quite nutritious and the cultivation is also very straightforward and simple. The vegetable can be grown from both seeds and stems.
What is the name of broccoli leaves?
Broccoli greens can be used in place of collards, kale, cabbage, or chard in many recipes, though they have their own distinct flavor. The leaves taste earthy, mildly bitter, and faintly of broccoli (which means people who are usually not fond of broccoli may take a liking to the leaves).
Is broccoli a tree?
Broccoli has large flower heads, usually green in color, arranged in a tree-like structure branching out from a thick, edible stalk. In our household, broccoli is lovingly called “trees.” The mass of flower heads is surrounded by leaves.
Can you eat broccoli stems and leaves?
The stalks and leaves of broccoli and cauliflower are great in salads. Dice peeled stalks and toss them in. Cut the stemmed leaves into chiffonade and massage with a bit of dressing to soften them.
Where does broccoli come from?
Broccoli may also be referred to as sprouting broccoli and likely originates from the Mediterranean although the exact location has not been determined. Broccoli. Broccoli side shoots. Broccoli head forming. Broccoli plant. Close-up of broccoli flower head. Purple broccoli variety. ‹ › ×.
What is broccoli grown for?
Broccoli, Brassica oleracea, is an herbaceous annual or biennial grown for its edible flower heads which are used as a vegetable. The broccoli plant has a thick green stalk, or stem, which gives rise to thick, leathery, oblong leaves which are gray-blue to green in color. The plant produces large branching green flower heads covered with numerous white or yellow flowers. Broccoli can be annual or biennial depending on the variety and can grow to 1 m (3.3 ft) in height. Broccoli may also be referred to as sprouting broccoli and likely originates from the Mediterranean although the exact location has not been determined.
How to grow broccoli in the fall?
Basic requirements Broccoli is a cool season crop which can be grown both in spring and in fall. The plants thrive in cool climates and should be planted for fall in areas with hot summers. Broccoli grows best in moist, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH between between 6.0 and 7.0 and at temperatures between 15.5 and 18°C (60–65°F). Broccoli has a high nitrogen requirement and due to the reduced activity of soil microbes in late fall and winter, organic matter should be added to the soil throughout the year to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients when broccoli is planted. In addition, broccoli requires regular water, especially during drought, to prevent the plants from going to seed. Plant broccoli in full sun to ensure optimum head size. Sowing seeds Broccoli can be direct seeded or started indoors for transplants. Spring plantings should be made 2–3 weeks before the last frost date in your area and Fall plantings should be made approximately 100 days before the first Fall frost. Sow seed 1.3 cm (0.5 in) deep in small groups of 2–3 seeds and about a week after emergence, thin to a final spacing of 30–60 cm (12–24 in) within the row, allowing 90 cm (36 in) between rows. Keep soil evenly moist after planting. If starting indoors, plant seed in peat pots to minimize disturbance to the roots when transplanting. Seedling can be planted outdoors when they are 3–4 weeks old at the same time as seeds are planted using the spacing detailed above. Plant transplants slightly deeper in the ground than they currently are in their pot and keep soil moist to ensure good fertility. General care and maintenance Broccoli has a very shallow root system and cultivating the soil around the plants to remove weeds should be avoided. Provide the plants with adequate and even moisture (about 2 in a week) to keep plants fertile and prevent them from bolting and avoid wetting the flower heads as they develop. Mulching around the plants helps to conserve soil moisture and reduces the soil temperature. Harvesting Broccoli is ready to harvest when the flower buds are firm and packed tightly in the head. Harvest before the buds open by cutting the stalk of the head at a 45° angle about 13–20 cm (5–8 in) below the head. Side-shoots will continue to produce after the first harvest.
What are the lesions on a leaf?
Lesions may be either round or angular, depending on the leaf veins and shape and site of infection. Some lesions may develop a purplish or black border. Lesions are often concentrically zonate, will develop a target pattern, that will fall out leaving a hole behind.
Why is broccoli high in nitrogen?
Broccoli has a high nitrogen requirement and due to the reduced activity of soil microbes in late fall and winter, organic matter should be added to the soil throughout the year to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients when broccoli is planted.
What does purple blotching mean on a plant?
Small white patches on upper and lower leaf surfaces which may also show purple blotching; patches coalesce to form a dense powdery layer which coats the leaves; leaves become chlorotic and drop from plant
Where do larvae feed on a plant?
Young larvae feed between upper and lower leaf surface and may be visible when they emerge from small holes on the underside of the leaf; older larvae leave large, irregularly shaped shotholes on leaf undersides, may leave the upper surface intact; larvae may drop from the plant on silk threads if the leaf is disturbed; larvae are small (1 cm/0.3 in) and tapered at both ends; larvae have to prolegs at the rear end that are arranged in a distinctive V-shape
What is broccoli?
All About Broccoli. Broccoli is a staple vegetable in countries across the globe, produced during Roman times and introduced to the U.S. in the colonial era, says HealthyEating.org. It was developed from wild cabbage, a vegetable to which broccoli is related.
What are the different types of broccoli?
There are two types of broccoli: sprouting broccoli and heading broccoli. Heading broccoli, the type of broccoli you're likely familiar with, is common in the U.S. and has a cluster of green flower buds sprouting from a stalk, also called the stem.
What are the nutrients in broccoli?
However, the stem contains much of the same nutrients as the broccoli flower: vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, potassium and folate. According to the HealthyEating.org, it also contains sulforophane, a sulfur-containing compound being studied for its anti-cancer properties.
How much broccoli should I eat a day?
The California Department of Public Health recommends about 2 ½ to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day for children between the ages of five and 12, and 3 ½ to 6 ½ for teens and adults 13 and up. Next time you think about doing away with broccoli stems, remember just how many nutrients they contain. Advertisement.
How much vitamin K is in broccoli?
If you're wondering just how much of each nutrient broccoli contains: one cup of cooked broccoli contains as much vitamin C as an orange and 245 percent of your daily vitamin K requirement, says Colorado State University.
Is sprouting broccoli the same as cauliflower?
Sprouting broccoli is similar to cauliflower in that it forms a dense white curd. You can also find sprouting broccoli with purple flower buds. In terms of how broccoli can be consumed, it can either be cooked or eaten raw, and is a popular health food in the United States.
When is broccoli harvested?
It's harvested by hand and, as a cool-season vegetable, is often grown in the spring or fall. You can count on broccoli, the flowers and stems, to contain a number of healthy nutrients. Advertisement. Read more: 3 Things Eating Cauliflower Can Do To Your Body.
Where are the buds on broccoli?
Finally, let's take a quick look at one above-ground edible plant structure. Buds are at the nodes and tips of stems where they form flowers, leaves, and branches. Broccoli is made up of clusters of flower buds, which is apparent if you've ever planted broccoli and allowed it to bloom.
What are tubers in plants called?
Root tubers are called perennating organs, meaning that they help the plant to survive (usually over the winter) until the next season and produce a new plant without going through seed production. Even though they're not edible, dahlias are another example of a plant with tuberous roots that grow in clusters.
What are some examples of non-edible bulbs?
Tuberous begonias and daylilies are examples of non-edible tubers that can persist for years when cared for correctly. Like tubers, true bulbs are stems; an example is the onion. Bulbs have a papery or skin-like covering called a tunic and a modified stem on the lower surface of the bulb called a basal plate from which roots grow.
What are taproots in plants?
"Root vegetable" is a kitchen category, not a botanical one. Celeriac, turnips, beets, and jicama are taproots.
How do stems interact with soil?
They also interact with soil organisms and store nutrients. Stems, on the other hand, act as a highway; they carry water and soil nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant, transport sugars and other compounds from photosynthesis down to roots, and support leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Where is the terminal bud on a plant?
Cabbage is another form of edible bud – in this case, it's a large terminal bud, which is a bud found at the very tip of a stem. Examples of these diverse structures can be found among all the plants that we value as vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.
Do roots grow below ground?
While we usually think roots grow below ground and stems are above ground, it's not quite that simple. Underground structures can either be roots or stems. Roots anchor and support a plant, but they also absorb water and minerals from the soil, make plant growth hormones and move these substances to the stems.
13 Common Broccoli Diseases
There’s no doubt that broccoli diseases can be devastating. Let’s jump right in so you can learn how to head them off before they can take hold.
1. Alternaria Leaf Spot
While this disease probably won’t kill your plants, a bad infection can reduce foliage vigor and size, which can mean smaller or no heads.
2. Blackleg
Blackleg can be a serious problem in brassicas. You want to know what to look for, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it if it pops up, especially since it can reduce yields.
3. Black Rot
The bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causes a disease commonly called black rot, and it’s bad news.
4. Clubroot
Clubroot is a disease of crucifers caused by an obligate biotroph protist called Plasmodiophora brassicae. The primary symptom is – you got it – clubbed, enlarged roots.
5. Damping Off
If you garden for long enough, you’ll bump up against damping off. It’s caused by oomycetes in the Pythium genus and fungi in the Fusarium genus.
6. Downy Mildew
Downy mildew, a disease caused by the oomycete Hyaloperonospora parasitica, can stunt growth and cause damage to broccoli heads.
