Blog

(posted on 15 Dec 2014)

WEEK 14 - BLOG CHALLENGE - Broccolini.

Once again I chose a new vegetable based on my search, 'what can I find that is organic'? Living in Northern Alberta proves to be a challenge at times to find a variety of organic produce. It is rare to find organic broccoli, but the grocery store was carrying organic broccolini that week, so I bought it. Similar is taste and texture to broccoli, just smaller, it was an easy addition to my diet. Both are equally nutritious with a high source of Vitamin A, C and K.

Broccoli and broccolini are both cruciferous vegetables which means they are filled with indoles and isothiocyanates - phytonutrients. Indole-3 carbinol assists in detoxifying human tissues, promotes hormone balance, and provides excellent cellular nourishment. Isothiocyantes are a sulfur-containing phytonutrient that combats cariogens by neutralizing them.

Broccolini is actually a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, also called baby broccoli. It is sweeter than broccoli and the stalks do not need to be peeled. The stems of broccoli or broccolini are just as nutritious as the crowns or heads, but are often thrown away, as they are tough, need peeling and do not look as appealing. So broccolini is a great way to get used to eating the whole plant, as the stems are more tender than the broccoli plants.

oth are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. As for all those other compounds that make broccoli so good for you, such as sulphoranes, indoles, and isothiocyanates, these are found in all cruciferous vegetables--including broccolini! - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/broccolini-vs-broccoli?page=all#sthash.rS1fWPLz.dpuf

Pastel drawing

At first glance, I thought drawing all the little seeds on the broccolini head would be a challenge, but it is mearly a repetition of small oval shapes. As for shading the seed head, I looked for patches of dark shadows and highlighted some of the seeds - once again, easier than it appears. The long stocks and small leaves add visual texture and movement in what would otherwise be a static composition. The leaves (and shadows) also create interesting negative spaces to break up the background space. Being able to see the negative shapes within the spaces between shapes is how you create an interesting composition.

Lemon Broccolini.docx

How to get started...
1) Introduce broccolini into your diet this week. Use the recipe provided or find your own - make sure you eat the stems!
2) Cut the broccolini florets and the stems separately and arrange to make a picture. Since the florets are round and the stems are straight lines, maybe arrange them into a mandala! Add a few other colourful vegetables to the mandala and take a photo!

Keep it simple and have fun and submit your 'creations' to me at lynnldallaire@gmail.com so I can track your progress for your prize!