05 May Sprout Broccoli: Revolutionary Endeavour in Chhattisgarh Vegetable Production
स्प्राउट ब्रोकोली: छत्तीसगढ़ सब्जी उत्पादन में रिवोल्यूशनरी उद्यम Sprout broccoli belongs to cruciferae family. Its botanical name is B. oleracea L. var. italica . Due to its cauliflower like appearance, sprouting broccoli or broccoli in the local parlance is known as ‘Hari Gobhi’, meaning green cauliflower. Broccoli with purple and white heads is grown in Italy. Broccoli is an Italian word, derived from the Latin branchium, meaning anarm or branch. Broccoli has two distinct forms. One makes a dense, white curd like that of cauliflower and is called ‘heading broccoli’. The other makes a somewhat branching cluster of green flower buds atop a thick, green flower stalk. Small axillary heads/ sprouts arise from the stem at leaf axils. This form is called ‘sprouting broccoli’. Broccoli is an important vegetable among the Cole crops. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, it contains more vitamin A than cabbage and cauliflower and the highest amount of proteins among the Cole crops. It also contains anti-cancerous compounds and antioxidants. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins A and C and also a good source of folate. Dark green colour of broccoli is an indicator of its rich carotene content. Sulforaphane, indoles, β-carotene and phytochemicals, found in broccoli, are reported to have anti cancerous properties. Broccoli is also reported...