Cruciferous vegetables are highly diverse in color and variety.
Cruciferous vegetables belong to the mustard or Brassicasceae family. These vegetables are known for having flowers with petals arranged in groups of four that are situated in the form of a cross. Cruciferous vegetables are also known for their cardiovascular health benefits. Kale, collard and mustard greens, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts and broccoli are all members of this group of vegetables. Does this Spark an idea?
Cauliflower
The origin of the cauliflower -- whose name literally means "cabbage flower" -- is controversial, however, most accounts date it back the 6th century B.C. in the Mediterranean. Cauliflower was introduced to Europe in the early 15th century and North America began cultivating it during the late 1600s. It has a distinctive rounded mass of curds that are most commonly white, but also come in green, pink, orange and purple varieties. Cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber, folate and vitamin C.
Cabbage
Some records indicate that cabbage was cultivated as early as 2000 B.C. with its origins in Asia. The Celts are noted as introducing cabbage to Europe in 600 B.C. Cabbage is rich in potassium, iodine, fiber, sulfur and vitamins C and A.
Brussels Sprouts
The origin of brussels sprouts is debatable, however, it was probably first cultivated in its namesake city, Brussels, Belgium during the 1500s. French immigrants who settled in Louisiana probably introduced brussels sprouts to the United States.
Brussel sprouts look like miniature cabbage heads. They have significant amounts of beta-carotene, fiber, plant proteins and vitamin C. Brussel sprouts offer a wide variety of benefits for bone, skin and eye health.
Broccoli
Broccoli, whose name means "cabbage sprout" most likely originated in Asia. Broccoli was introduced to England in the 1700s, but didn't make its first appearance in the U.S. until the 1920s.
Broccoli and cauliflower are similar in appearance, but unlike cauliflower, whose heads are comprised of curds, broccoli heads are densely packed flowerettes. The most common type of broccoli is the green Calabrese variety, however, other varieties are yellowish green or purple. Broccoli is abundant in of vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, potassium and calcium.
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