The difference between broccoli and cauliflower and what do these plants have in common?

Cabbage - one of the most useful products that can be obtained from the garden. With simple contents we get a lot of vitamins and microelements.

Nowadays, gardeners increasingly prefer color varieties of plant and broccoli. Some people do not differentiate between the two types. What is the difference between broccoli and cauliflower? Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of plants.

Content:

1. Description of plants
2. Similarities and differences
3. Requirements for growing conditions
4. Composition and beneficial properties
5. What to cook from vegetables

Description of plants

Colored cabbage consists of a large number of peduncles and looks like an overgrown inflorescence. It is an annual plant with a long growing season (up to 9 months). The height of an adult bush is 60-70 cm. The color of the head varies from pure white to cream or greenish.

The growing season depends on the variety, growing conditions and climate.

There are early ripening representatives that form a head already 2.5 months after sowing. On average it takes 4-4.5 months.

Broccoli - a subtype of cauliflower. Also applies to annual crops. In contrast, it has a rich green color, sometimes with a purple tint. The plant is taller than its relative (80-90 cm), and the heads are larger.

Cauliflower is the most demanding in terms of climatic conditions, compared to other members of the family, and does not tolerate significant fluctuations in the thermometer.

Broccoli It is distinguished by great endurance and unpretentiousness to the soil.

Similarities and differences

Although both plants belong to the Brassica family and are annual crops, they have many differences.

Care

It is easier to grow broccoli in the garden; in northern latitudes it has practically replaced its relative. Colored This variety of vegetable can die under unfavorable weather conditions and requires fertilizers and spraying. Regular watering is enough for broccoli to grow successfully.

Appearance

Broccoli has a more massive and tall stem, and the head is also larger than that of its colored relative. The shades of vegetables vary.

Compound

Both representatives of the Cabbage family contain a lot of useful substances, but the composition is slightly different. The debate continues: which is healthier? color cabbage or broccoli? In terms of concentration of vitamins and microelements, broccoli wins.

Growing time

Even early-ripening varieties of the colored variety take longer to ripen than broccoli. From planting seedlings to harvesting the latter, it often takes no more than 1-1.5 months. The yield of broccoli is 2 times greater than that of cauliflower. The weight of each head is at least 600 g.

Requirements for growing conditions

As mentioned above, colored flowers are demanding in terms of growing conditions. The plant is very difficult to tolerate unexpected frosts and lack of moisture. The ideal temperature is in the range of 16-18°C.

One of the most important parameters is the soil. The colorful variety of the vegetable loves fertile soil enriched with nutrients.Otherwise, a large amount of fertilizing is required.

You can understand that something is wrong with the plant by looking at the leaves - there should be no white spots, dark spots or unpleasant odor.

She also prefers plenty of sunlight. Therefore, the plant is planted in open, not shaded areas.

Broccoli feels good at a temperature of 15-25°C. Grows on different soils. Doesn't like frost either. However, it tolerates temperature fluctuations well. Do without fertilizers.

The owner just needs to remember about watering. The main thing is not to miss the moment and cut off the head in time. Overripe broccoli blooms and falls off, becoming unfit for consumption.

Composition and beneficial properties

Broccoli and cauliflower, the benefits of which have been scientifically proven, contain a huge amount of substances necessary for the body. It is not for nothing that these products are often used to feed infants.

Different types of this vegetable contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits. 100 g contains the daily requirement of ascorbic acid.

What else are vegetables rich in:

• Protein. Cabbage – an excellent source of valuable protein.
• Vitamins. In addition to ascorbic acid, the product contains a large amount of B vitamins.
• Cellulose. The substance has a beneficial effect on intestinal function and improves digestion.
• Sinigrin. Prevents the formation of tumor cells.

Vegetables also contain micro- and macroelements: selenium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium. Consumption is beneficial for nervous disorders, heart and vascular diseases, bone and liver pathologies.

The concentration of “benefits” in different types is not the same. Although cauliflower – an unusually healthy product; broccoli surpasses it in many ways.

What to cook from vegetables

Cabbage is a delicious dietary product. Vegetables have always been the basis of the diet. Broccoli and cauliflower are used in many dishes; the recipes are varied and simple. Unlike white cabbage, these species are not consumed raw.

How to prepare vegetables:

• Stew in a saucepan or cauldron. Perfect for meat.
• For young children, vegetables are steamed and ground in a blender.
• They make a stew with potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and onions.
• They make healthy, nutritious soups.
• Prepare vegetable casseroles.
• Canned in company with other vegetables.
• Boil for a few minutes and fry in egg or breadcrumbs.
• Grilled.

Which is tastier? broccoli or cauliflower? It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question, because it is a matter of taste. Cauliflower is more tender, and broccoli has a brighter, more pronounced flavor.

Cabbage varieties have similarities and differences. They are united by belonging to the same family, similar appearance and properties.

Cauliflower and broccoli have their own characteristics and taste. Whichever variety you prefer, you will get a healthy dietary product.

Let's watch a video about the best varieties of cabbage: