‘Super broccoli’ benefits revealed

A team of scientists have unveiled the range of health benefits they claim are offered by a cross-bred version of the vegetable broccoli.

Dubbed super broccoli, researchers from the University of Warwick say they have established cross-breeding methods which can successfully extend the shelf life of the product.

Although naturally rich in antioxidants, broccoli’s relatively short shelf life has meant that much of its nutritional value is lost between field and store.

The team has identified a means to make broccoli and other members of the brassica family of plants, such as oilseed rape, more resistant to aphids and the bacteria xanthomonas campestris.

As a result, plants could potentially be grown utilising less fertiliser and pesticide and the potency of antioxidant content in the vegetable be retained for longer.

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