Broccoli

Introduction and Importance of Broccoli

 

Broccoli is a cultivar of the wild worm, both of which are considered to be the same species. Then this domesticated cultivar was crossed with wild cultivars including Kale Broccoli. Cabbage Kohlrabi all of them are related to the same species.

As the name suggests, broccoli is a native of Italy. It was eaten in ancient times in different countries. Broccoli was first grown in France in 1560. However, until 1724, it was an unknown name in England. And the general public in England has not written much about broccoli. It is said that it originated from Southern Europe.

Broccoli or green cauliflower

Brassica oleracea var. Italica

Cole crop, the most important part of the group, broccoli does not form a solid flower like cauliflower. And different from the head of a rose, the part that can be used is green, and after taking it, the second or side flowers form the main flowers. Broccoli stems flowers source from the crown of the leaves and the tips of the leaves. Some types of broccoli are similar to short-stemmed panicles and some types are similar to long-stemmed flowers. Broccoli flowers should be used before they are harvested. The flower should be strong and the stem and the flower should be green in color. Along with the broccoli flower, the lower part of the flower, which is approximately 15 cm long, should be cut and this part forms the edible part of this type of flower. Growing Broccoli in some places is still not very common. Broccoli's high value and international fame indicate that this vegetable will be more popular in the in the future.

Broccoli botanical classification:-

Family                                   Cruciferae

Genus                                   Brassica

Species                                 Oleracea

Varity                                    Italica

 

Varieties of Broccoli

Some scholars have divided broccoli into two groups in terms of flower production, which consists of

1.       The first group: which is called Cauli flower or Heading broccoli, whose scientific name is Brassica Oleracea L var. Botrylis L is widely recognized and used in all European countries, the United States of America and other countries of the world.

2.       The second group: which is called Italian broccoli or Green sprouting broccoli or Calabrese or Asparugus, whose scientific name is Brassica Oleracea L var. Italica plenk, this type of broccoli produces a type of flower that is similar to a normal flower, but the flower buds are very complicated, the color of the flowers is green, and the lower part of the flower is very long. Or Species came from the crossbreeding of different species, and may it was first found in Southern Europe, and then it was transferred to America and other places by epidemics.

 

Broccoli is divided into three types according to the maturity of the flowers:

1. Broccoli that reaches ripens soon.

2. Broccoli that ripens in 10 months.

3. Broccoli that does not grow in summer will not grow in summer.

 

Climatic factors for Broccoli

Broccoli grows well in cold and wet climates, but the heads of broccoli, i.e. (flowers), cannot grow well in areas that are too hot or which have relatively hot weather in summer, and broccoli in winter. It yields but in the regions that have moderate weather the harvest comes in the summer. But in some areas, broccoli is harvested in the spring. Broccoli is more resistant to frost in active growth. As this plant grows in very hot air, the temperature at which it grows is 10-24 degrees Celsius and soil temperature should be (7---15C) degrees.

 

Soil and pH

Broccoli can grow in any good soil, but deep sandy loam or sandy loam soil is considered best. It should have organic matter and it should be well drained. Since the broccoli plant grows very quickly, the soil with a high water storage capacity should be chosen for growing broccoli, and more sandy soil. It should be maintained. Broccoli can grow well in pH (5.5----6.5). If the pH is more than 5.6, the yield of broccoli will decrease because at high pH, the use of element B plants will be reduced. And at low pH, the Mo element is removed from the plants.

 

Irrigation

Broccoli shows a good reaction against wind. Broccoli also has a superficial root system like other plants of the Cole crop family, so it is necessary to keep the soil moist. It is a small plant utilization center. The lack of water reduces the size of the new flowers and their previous ones and also deteriorates their quality. In hot regions, it should be watered twice a week, and in temperate regions, it should be watered after 15 days and the soil should be kept moist.

 

Storing broccoli

Broccoli flowers continue to develop even after flowering and they lose their value when the flower buds are damaged or become old. It is important that broccoli should be kept frozen or (refrigerated) during storage. If broccoli is not mixed with turmeric or if it is not kept in the refrigerator, it loses its freshness very quickly and starts to get old. Broccoli can be kept for up to two weeks at zero degrees Celsius when the humidity is around 90%. But at (11C) degrees Celsius, broccoli flowers can be kept for about five days. Generally, at zero degrees Celsius, broccoli can be kept for 7 to 10 days. Broccoli in plastic bags it should be cooled as soon as possible because the ethylene gas is released from the broccoli in these bags, which causes the flowers to die.

 

Nutritional value of broccoli

The amount of vitamins in broccoli is more than broccoli and 100 grams of broccoli contains approximately 114 mg of vitamin C and a certain amount of carotene, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. The amount of nutrients in broccoli is shown in the table below.

Nutrient availability in broccoli:

Cellulosic material	Carbohydrates	Fats	Proteins	Water
3/0gr	2/5gr	0/3gr	3/3gr	89/7gr

 

Availability of minerals and vitamins in broccoli:

Vitamin A	Potassium	Magnesium	Iron	Phosphorus	Calcium	Vitamin C	Riboflavin	Niacin	Thiamine
2.0mg	465mg	25mg	1.3mg	80mg	105mg	115mgr	0.21mgr	1.0mgr	0.09mgr

 

The economic value of broccoli

Despite the fact that broccoli is still not so widely known in some countries. And the climatic conditions of most places are suitable for the cultivation of broccoli, and in some places, the attention of most of the farmers has turned towards the cultivation of broccoli, and this crop can be a good source of economy, because this crop produces both tropical and temperate crops. It produces two crops in a year, one in spring and the other in autumn. It must be said that our dear country has both hot and temperate climates.

Uses of broccoli

 

The central or main floret of the broccoli plant, which is produced in the upper part, consists of seven fleshy parts and a size of the stem. Among the main flowers are the lateral flowers of broccoli, which are produced on the top of the lateral leaves. These flowers are also used as human food. And broccoli flowers are used in making salad and soup.