Broccoli - Super Healthy Vegetable

Broccoli (lat. Brassica oleracea var. botrytis italica) is one of many cultivars of cabbage (lat. Brassica oleracea). Cabbage and all its cultivars belong to the Brassicaceae family of plants. Broccoli is a biennial plant, but in gardens the heads are harvested in the first year. Broccoli originates from the Mediterranean region, from where it spread to other territories. Today, broccoli is becoming increasingly popular and appears in gardens much more frequently than before. Growers know well that home-grown broccoli is full of vitamins and other beneficial substances. Grow your own broccoli too. In our offer, you can choose from several varieties of this green jewel.

Available broccoli varieties from our offer

• Broccoli F1 - Marathon is a very popular variety. Large heads of green colour are harvested in autumn. Marathon variety yields are high, with the advantage of resistance to diseases and pests. The heads are suitable for culinary and industrial processing.

• Broccoli Limba is an early variety forming medium-sized heads of green colour. Limba variety creates a large central head and smaller side shoots develop from lateral branches. The heads are intended for direct consumption and industrial processing. Harvested Limba variety broccoli can also be stored short-term.

• Broccoli variety Miranda (lat. Brassica oleracea convar. botrytis var. cymosa) has purple-coloured heads. It can be grown from pre-cultivated seedlings or from direct sowing. Miranda broccoli variety is intended for direct consumption and freezing.

• Other available broccoli varieties are Apolena F1 and Cabbage vegetables F1.

Growing broccoli

Broccoli thrives best in permeable sandy-loam soils with sufficient calcium. Broccoli needs an adequate supply of nutrients for healthy growth, not only before sowing but throughout the entire growing season. Therefore, regularly fertilize broccoli with complex fertilizer intended for vegetables, such as NPK, Cererit... Related to the high nutrient consumption is another principle for successful growing - broccoli should not be planted in the same bed for several years in a row.

Since broccoli is a close relative of cauliflower, cabbage, kale and other brassicas, it's not suitable to plant it in a bed after these plants. The soil could have depleted some important nutrients for growth and additionally, pests and diseases of brassicas that could attack young seedlings might overwinter in it. Broccoli is most commonly attacked by flea beetles, which can destroy sprouted plants within a few days. Prevention against flea beetle infestation is regular watering (flea beetles don't like moisture) and covering the germinating plants with non-woven fabric. Just like other brassicas, broccoli is attacked by cabbage white butterflies. Regular watering is not only prevention against flea beetles, it's an essential element for successful broccoli growth. Planted broccoli should never dry out completely.

Sowing and Harvesting Broccoli

Broccoli has a relatively short growing season, therefore it can be cultivated multiple times a year. Broccoli thrives better in cooler conditions, so it's more suitable for spring and late summer sowing. Broccoli planted in too warm periods tends to bolt quickly. The ideal temperature for growing broccoli is approximately 10 - 25 °C (50 - 77 °F). Broccoli can be pre-grown or planted directly in the bed. Sowing into growing containers can be done as early as January and February. Pre-grown seedlings are planted in the bed in April and May with spacing of approximately 50 x 40 cm (20 x 16 inches). Broccoli is sown in beds from April depending on specific weather. For autumn harvest, broccoli is sown until mid-July, young seedlings should be planted in the bed at the latest during August. Broccoli tolerates mild autumn frosts, down to approximately -5 °C (23 °F). Broccoli is harvested when the central head is fully developed, the most delicious broccoli is just before the flower buds open. However, the buds must not bloom before harvest. Cut the properly developed central head and leave the stem in place, smaller heads will grow in the leaf axils, which are equally delicious.

Super Healthy Broccoli

Broccoli is a rich source of calcium, fiber and beta-carotene. It contains vitamins C, D, B6, B12, E, folic acid, potassium, iron, selenium and magnesium. Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, which makes it a valuable part of a varied diet. By consuming broccoli, you can improve your immune system, speed up metabolism, protect yourself against infectious diseases. Women can use broccoli to relieve menstrual pain. Broccoli helps reduce nervousness and sleep disorders. It will also be appreciated by people on a diet, because it contains large amounts of water and conversely low carbohydrates.

Heat Treatment of Broccoli - Don't Destroy Valuable Vitamins

Improper heat treatment of broccoli can destroy a large amount of important substances. Broccoli should not be overcooked. Steaming is ideal. Steamed over boiling water, broccoli cooks in about 10 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the size of individual broccoli florets (the main head must be cut into smaller florets before heat treatment). The firmness of the florets is tested continuously during cooking using a sharp knife or fork. Carefully remove the cooked florets from the water bath to avoid damaging them. Don't forget to lightly salt the water before cooking. People suffering from bloating can also add a little fennel to the water.

The Most Popular Broccoli Dish - Baked Broccoli with Cheese

Ingredients:

• broccoli

• 100 g edam cheese in one piece

• 250 ml milk

• 1 egg

• seasoning to taste (vegeta, podravka or other)

• butter for greasing the baking dish

Preparation:

Cook the broccoli according to the instructions above. Let it cool and then arrange it in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the broccoli layer with a little grated edam and seasoning. On the cheese layer, arrange a second layer of broccoli, which you again cover with edam and seasoning. Put the baking dish in a preheated oven for a while so the cheese melts slightly, then remove the dish and pour over the broccoli the milk in which the egg has been mixed. Put it back in the oven and bake until a golden crust forms on the surface.

Enjoy your meal! :)