Broccoli

BROCCOLI
The name "broccoli" comes from the Latin word brachium, which means "branch," or "arm"---an apt description for a vegetable with numerous thick, fleshy stalks supporting a head of compact florets. Fortunately, broccoli is one of the healthiest food you can eat. Along with a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, it contains nitrogen compounds called indoles, which various studies seem to indicate are effective in protecting against certain forms of cancer. In addition, broccoli contains special enzymes and good amounts of betacarotene and vitamin C---all of which help fight cancer.
Examine the stalks attached to the florets; they should be on the slender side and be so crisp that if you broke one, it would snap clean. The florets should be tightly closed and uniformly green. Good color also indicates nutritional quality. The leaves, if any, should have good color and not appear wilted.

Nutritional value for 1 cup serving:
Calories (kcal): 24.6
Total fat (g): 0.3
Protein (g): 2.6
Potassium (mg): 286
Calcium (mg): 42
Vitamin C (mg): 82
Vitamin A (i.u.): 1,357
Folacin (mcg): 62.5

Sesame Broccoli
Serves 6

Sesame, ginger and lemon are delicious with almost any seasonal green. You may substitute kale, chard, or bok choy for the broccoli.

1 tsp. pureed fresh ginger root
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 tbsp. fresh lemon or orange juice
2 pounds broccoli florets and stalks
1 tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Whisk together the ginger, soy sauce, oil and lemon or orange juice in a shallow serving bowl. Set aside. Trim, peel and cut the broccoli florets and stalks diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Steam the broccoli florets and stalks until tender-crisp. Transfer the broccoli to the serving bowl and toss it with the ginger sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and pepper.

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