Curly kale, red, Chinese or Savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli: all these plants, so different from one another, share a common ancestor and they are all characterized by the presence of a flower with four petals spread out in the shape of cross (which explains term “crucifers”).
All these vegetables have a pretty pungent taste, which is due to a sulphurous substance. Still, they all contribute towards protecting us from several types of cancer, in particular, those of the lung and the digestive system. They are very versatile and can be consumed both raw in salads and cooked.
But they should not be cooked for too long, otherwise they will lose their nutritional value and their taste. So here’s a menu that will activate your taste buds and also keep you in shape!
A few of our recipes that feature crucifers:
Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on September 20, 2008.
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