Broccoli and Cauliflower Their Tops Make Good Eating

This is the VOA Special English Agriculture Report, from http://voaspecialenglish.comSome people say broccoli looks
like small trees, and cauliflower like gathered clouds.
They think broccoli is only green and cauliflower is only white.
But these nutritious vegetables
also come in more colorful versions. One kind of cauliflower,
for example, is orange, and
broccoli can bepurple.
Broccoli and cauliflower are among the most nutritious vegetables. They are high in Vitamin C,
fiber and other nutrients.
And they contain substances that
are believed to fight cancer.
They belong to the cabbage or
cole family. Other members include cabbage, collards, Brussels
sprouts, kale and kohlrabi.
Agriculture experts at the
Ohio State University Extension
say broccoli and cauliflower
grow best in cooler climates.
They suggest planting them where
the average daily temperature is between eighteen and twenty-six degrees Celsius.
Both crops grow best in sunshineand fertile, moist soil.
But water should not be standing
on the soil. Using mulch helps
keep the ground moist and cool. Mulch also helps feed the soil
and controls weeds. Broccoli and cauliflower can grow outdoors
from seed or as small plants. Vincent Fritz of the University
of Minnesota Extension suggests
that results are far better with small plants. He says the vegetables should be planted
so that they can be harvested
before the hottest weather.
Experts differ about how to space the plantings in the ground.
One suggestion is to plant them
in rows about three quarters of a meter to nearly one meter apart.
Then place broccoli plants about twenty to thirty centimeters apart in the rows. Set cauliflower
plants thirty-eight to about
forty-six centimeters from each other in the rows.
As it grows, a cauliflower plant will start to form a head.
The head contains flower buds that are tightly closed and at least
two leaves wrapping it. Gather
and tie the leaves over the head, and do not wait for the buds to separate before harvesting.
Harvest the center flower-bud cluster of broccoli when it reaches the size you want and while the
buds are still tightly together. Cut the main stem about twelve to fifteen centimeters below the head.
You can eat broccoli and cauliflower raw. Or you can steam them in a small amount of water or stir fry them in a small amount of oil.
The less time they cook, the better.
And thats the VOA Special
English Agriculture Report.

(Adapted from a radio program broadcast 09Mar2010)