Greens Revolution
Broccoli Gets a Make-over
We all know we should “eat up our greens” to be fit and healthy. But many of us, particularly children, find the bitter after taste of cruciferous vegetables difficult to swallow. But that’s all changed with the launch of Bellaverde®, a 
new sweet tasting long stemmed broccoli.
Research has shown that twenty-five per cent of the population actually have more taste receptors on their tongues. These people, known as ‘super-tasters’, are genetically pre-disposed to pick up on the bitter taste of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables and to dislike them. With its sweet taste, bellaverde® means more people will be able to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli. To celebrate the launch of bellaverde®, Italian chef Gino D’Acampo has devised some delicious family recipes, including Zesty Bellaverde® and Courgette Spaghetti, Warm Bellaverde® with Mint, Goat’s Cheese and Pine Nuts and Flamenco Eggs with Bellaverde®. Gino’s two sons Luciano and Rocco are his favourite food critics. “If the food is not up to standard my boys simply spit it out and I have to find a tastier recipe combination”. “I love broccoli,” says Gino, “but it was not always the case.
As a young boy I did find the bitter taste quite off-putting and so I think bellaverde® could be the answer to many parents’ dreams. My two young sons certainly like it.” Gino added: “But what’s great for me as a chef is its versatility. You can throw it into stir fries, toss it in pasta, serve it on the side with meat or fish, enjoy in a warm salad or just eat raw as a crudité with dips. The florets and stems cook to perfection to give a crisp al dente bite and nothing gets wasted.”
As well as having this wonderful sweet flavour, bellaverde® is actually a true broccoli rather than a cross with another vegetable and this means it has all the health boosting superfood qualities of a traditional broccoli.
It is high in Vitamin C, fibre and the B vitamin folate as well as being a source of potassium. Vitamin C is particularly important for children, fighting infection, boosting iron absorption, and maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and gums. An 80g serving of bellaverde® broccoli counts as one of your five daily portions of fruit and veg, as recommended by health professionals. And It takes just three minutes to cook, with nothing being wasted, it all goes into the pan.
Bellaverde® is currently available in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose supermarkets across the country with the UK season lasting right up until the end of November when production switches to Spain to ensure a year round supply. Visit www.bellaverde.co.uk for more information and inspiring recipe ideas.
