Cruciferous Veggies- A Little Trivia!

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  Brussels sprout plant

  Vegetables pack a power punch!  It is estimated that over one third of all cancer-related deaths could be prevented by a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables are key. Research suggests that people who eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day cut their cancer risk in half when compared to those who consume one serving or less. Vegetables are especially nutrient dense. Calorie for calorie they pack more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other cancer fighting agents than any other food group. Cabbage family (cruciferous) vegetables for instance are particularly powerful cancer fighters.
• Odors getting to you?  There are a few tips to out-do the sulfur odors created when cooking vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussels spouts and cauliflower: a slice of bread, a wedge of lemon, a walnut, a stalk of celery are all suggestions for food  items to add to your cooking pot to help absorb the smells. Also, the longer you cook these guys, the more odoriferous they become.  Short cooking times in a stainless pot or in the microwave will also keep the odors at bay. 
• While cooking brings out the smells, these great vegetables can also be offer uncooked. Remember to wash all fresh produce thoroughly.  Offer coleslaw, broccoli tree and cauliflower florets with a healthy dip and enjoy the crunch of these nutritious garden gems! 

Here are a couple of short clips for working with cauliflower. Enjoy!

How to cut up a head of cauliflower

Roasted popcorn cauliflower.