Vegetables resembling cauliflower are commonly referred to as broccoli or Roman cauliflower. Both broccoli and cauliflower belong to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables, but their flower heads are dark green in color; Roman cauliflower is known as basilica due to its unique fractal structure. These vegetables are rich in active substances such as vitamin C, dietary fiber, and glucosinolates.
1. Western Blue Flower
Western Blue Flower is the most common similar variety of cauliflower, with tightly packed flower heads and a deep green color. Containing anti-cancer ingredients such as sulforaphane, it is recommended to blanch quickly during cooking to preserve nutrients. Suitable for stir frying with shrimp and garlic, or as a salad ingredient. People with gastrointestinal sensitivity need to control their intake and avoid excessive dietary fiber causing bloating.
2. Roman cauliflower
Roman cauliflower is named after its spiral fractal structure and has a crisper and more tender taste than cauliflower. Rich in vitamin K and folic acid, suitable for pregnant women and anemic individuals. It can be sliced and baked, or stir fried with bacon. High temperature will make its sweetness more prominent. Individuals with thyroid dysfunction should cook and consume to reduce the impact of glucosinolates on iodine absorption.
3. Purple flowered vegetables
Purple flowered vegetables contain anthocyanins and present a bright purple color, with better antioxidant capacity than ordinary cauliflower. Suitable for cold or low-temperature cooking to maintain color, it can enhance visual appeal when paired with a white cauliflower platter. Purple pigment may be excreted with urine, which is a normal phenomenon, but individuals with renal insufficiency should pay attention to observing their physical reactions.
4. Huangya Cai
Huangya Cai is a yellow variety of cauliflower, with a sweeter and softer taste. High content of beta carotene, suitable for vision maintenance. It can be chopped and added to egg soup or boiled Congee, but it is easy to lose vitamins if stewed for a long time. Diabetes patients should be included in the daily total carbon and water to avoid excessive intake.
V. Qingbao Pagoda
Qingbao Pagoda is a hybrid variety of broccoli and Roman cauliflower, which combines the morphological characteristics of both. Containing special mustard oil glycosides, it is recommended to use lemon juice for cold mixing to promote nutrient release. If the flower buds are dense, they need to be thoroughly washed to remove the insect eggs. People with allergies should try small doses when consuming them for the first time.
It is recommended to use low-temperature short-term cooking methods such as steaming and stir frying for this type of vegetable, and it is advisable to consume 3-4 times a week. Pairing citrus fruits rich in vitamin C can increase iron absorption, but avoiding consuming high oxalate foods can affect mineral utilization. Special populations such as gout patients should control their intake, and blanching before cooking can reduce purine levels. When storing, it is necessary to keep it dry and refrigerated, with the flower balls facing upwards to prevent damage and spoilage.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!