Romanesco, brassica oleracea, is an appetising and nutritious food with substantial nutritional properties that provide significant benefits to the body. It stands out particularly for its aesthetic form and versatility for preparing exquisite dishes.
What is romanesco?
Romanesco is often confused as a hybrid between cauliflower and broccoli; however, it’s actually nothing of the sort. It’s a green variety of Italian cauliflower, a member of the cruciferous family, and within that the cabbage family.
It is a green inflorescence, composed of pyramid-shaped florets.
It’s usually found in markets from September to April.
Properties of romanesco cabbage
Romanesco cabbage has unique nutritional properties, with significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, and it has a high fibre content and is low in calories.
Due to the presence of micronutrients in its internal structure, romanesco cabbage can offer several health benefits.
Below, we’ve broken down its most outstanding components.
- Vitamins: C, K, E, B2 and B6.
- Folic acid.
- Minerals: potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.
1. Diuretic
The consumption of romanesco helps the kidneys to function properly, thanks to its mild diuretic and toxin-purifying effect.
2. Heart-healthy
Studies have show that a high intake of cruciferous vegetables is often associated with low blood concentrations of homocysteine, which is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.
3. It protects the brain
Recent studies on various aspects of memory seem to indicate that regular consumption of cabbage family vegetables could help in the fight against memory loss associated with certain degenerative diseases.
Important benefits of this type of cabbage.
4. It fights cholesterol
It’s a soluble fibre that helps to control and reduce blood cholesterol levels.
5. It prevents cancer
Cruciferous vegetables are well known for their cancer-fighting properties. They have many anticancer compounds, called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates.
How do you eat romanesco?
The best way to eat it is raw, to get the most out of its nutrients. However, it can also be cooked in several ways: boiling, roasting, baking, grating and steaming.
If you make any recipes with it, we look forward to reading them!
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