Is it broccoli or cauliflower? If you've been confused by this veggie you're not alone. In fact, Romanesco has a lot of other names like Romanesco Broccoli, Roman Cauliflower, Broccoflower, Romanesque cauliflower, Buzzy Broc, and Romanesco Cauliflower.
This beautiful vegetable is a hybrid of cauliflower and broccoli.
It's loaded with health benefits and makes a great substitute in any recipe that calls for broccoli or cauliflower.
I love using it in this soup, or cauli-Tuna, or detox salad recipes.
Health Benefits
Romanesco was first identified in Italy back in the 16th century. It is usually available in the cold season, around late fall or winter.
Aside from its beautiful and unique appearance, romanesco is also good on the inside as it comes with a lot of health benefits.
In general, cauliflower helps slow tumor growth and fights off cancer, specifically bladder, breast, prostate, ovarian and colon cancer.
With its high levels of vitamin C and carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene that act as antioxidants, romanesco fights off free radicals, boosts your immune system, and promotes healthy skin.
Romanesco is also loaded with vitamin A, B, C, and K, manganese, magnesium, protein, phosphorus, potassium, and omega 3 fatty acids.
In particular, the vitamin A in romanesco boosts your eye health and reduces your risk of macular degeneration, while the omega 3s boosts your heart health, regulating your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Since romanesco is a part of the cruciferous veggie family, it contains glucosinolates, which are sulfur and nitrogen containing compounds that naturally cleanses your kidney.
It is also rich in iron and folate, which are both known to help increase the production of red blood cells, fight off anemia and boost reproductive health, and zinc, which helps fight loss of taste sensation.
Additionally, romanesco is high in fiber, so it is good for your gut health and weight loss goals. It helps in proper digestion, prevents constipation, and curbs cravings. Two cups contain 4 grams of fiber and just 40 calories.
Make sure to buy it organic when available. Pick the ones with firm heads, without any signs of decay, and are heavy for their size to make sure they are fresh.
Other health benefits include:
1. Helps fight viral infections
2. Treats common cold and flu
3. Improves Lung health
4. Improves Bone health
5. Boosts brainpower
6. Supports Muscles
