What makes broccoli purple?

The purple color is caused by anthocyanin, a harmless, water-soluble pigment that is exacerbated by sun exposure. When the developing heads are exposed to sun and heat, they can turn purple. Extreme conditions, such as heat, freezing temperatures, or drought also can cause loose heads.

What is the difference between green and purple broccoli?

Purple-sprouting broccoli was found to contain higher contents of antioxidant compounds compared with green broccoli, but tended to show higher sensitivity to cooking treatments. Cooking methods should be carefully considered in current dietary recommendations.

Is broccoli naturally purple?

Rest assured – purple broccoli is perfectly healthy. According to the master gardeners at the University of California, purple coloring is caused by a release of anthocyanin, which is a naturally occurring blueish purple pigment.

Is purple broccoli a hybrid?

This tasty purple sprouting Broccoli ‘Purple Rain’ F1 Hybrid is British bred and requires no vernalisation (winter chill) to produce a delicious crop through the summer and well into autumn.

Is purple broccoli healthy?

In addition to its other vitamin benefits, purple spouting broccoli is high in vitamin C (1 cup offers 135% of the daily recommended value), so it can also help support your immune system.

Is it OK to eat purple broccoli?

This is actually completely fine and is caused by the release of anthocyanin, which is a naturally occurring pigment with a bluish-purple color. You are still able to eat broccoli that has started to turn purple, as long as there are no signs that it has gone bad.

Is purple broccoli good for you?

Is there blue broccoli?

‘Belstar’ (F1, 65-75 days) produces beautiful blue-green, tightly packed heads high on the plant. Good heat and cold tolerance, it’s a reliable performer for both spring and fall planting. ‘Express’ (F1, 75 days) is a good mid-season broccoli.

Can I eat purple broccoli raw?

Eating raw. You can eat the purple sprouts as is, with a dip, or seasoned with salt and pepper, and drizzled with olive oil or lemon juice for extra flavor. Eating broccoli raw is the best way to get as many nutrients as possible from this vegetable.

Can purple sprouting broccoli be eaten raw?

Raw – rich in iron, vitamins A, B and C and eating it raw preserves these nutrients well. It is best to eat the smallest, most tender shoots and dress with sea salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar a few minutes before serving.

What kind of broccoli is purple?

winter sprouting broccoli
Purple broccoli, as with other cruciferous cultivars, is a cool season plant and is sometimes referred to as ‘winter sprouting broccoli. ‘ There are several different named cultivars of Purple broccoli, including Bordeaux, Claret, Nine Star, Red Arrow, Red Head and Red Spear.