Green Options

Broccoli and cauliflower are the same plant. The different varieties are called cultivars. The plants have been selectively cultivated to enhance certain characteristics not unlike breeds of dogs, for example. All dogs, be they Chihuahua or St. Bernard are the same species.

The plant, Brassica oleracea, can be found in such cultivars as white, orange, yellow and purple cauliflower, the beautiful, green Romanesco cauliflower, broccoli, and the cross-variety of brocciflower. These varieties often available at farmers markets in the U.S. are just being introduced into the market in the U.K.

As with other members of the cruciferous vegetables (kale, cabbage, mustard greens), cauliflowers and broccoli are nutrient-dense. The colored varieties have been shown to be higher in some nutrients, their color is a good indication of the nutrient content. Gold cauliflower is higher in beta-carotene and the purple variety is higher in the same anthocyanins that make blueberries and red cabbage healthy. (Recipe for Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad after the jump).

Summer Vegetable Risotto
Use this recipe as a model for many of your favorite seasonal vegetables, so long as those on the sturdy side (bell peppers, artichoke hearts, broccoli, beets) are precooked until not quite tender, either by blanching, steaming, or roasting. As a general rule, for every cup of rice, you will need about 3 cups of simmering broth.

Cooking time: The total cooking time from the first addition of liquid

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