3: Gardening Diaries ...

[Logan]

Going to do more seed sowing, more parsnips and my snapdragons.

 

[alp]

Yes, have to start sowing seeds, regardless of the weather.

Read this about the best way to cook broccoli to unlock its nutrients.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/fb-5368659/WHAT-HEALTHIEST-WAY-COOK-BROCCOLI.html

WHAT IS THE HEALTHIEST WAY TO COOK BROCCOLI?
Chopping broccoli into 2mm pieces and letting them 'sit' for 90 minutes before gently stir-frying increases their sulforaphane levels by 2.8 times, research suggests.

Previous studies show the compound sulforaphane helps to maintain people's blood sugar levels and may even have anti-cancer properties.

Although unclear exactly why this occurs, researchers from Zhejiang University in China believe waiting before cooking chopped broccoli may allow sulforaphane to 'develop'.

They add 30 minutes of sitting time may be sufficient.

It is important to chop broccoli as sulforaphane can only be absorbed if the vegetable is 'damaged'.

I think this is very useful if the research result is genuine and proven.

 

[Logan]

That's good information thanks. They used to say it's better raw.

 

[alp]

That's good information thanks. They used to say it's better raw.

Raw! That's a bit much!

 

[Logan]

Yes.The bbc did a programme where people had to eat only raw veg. It took them a lot of time trying to eat it and it gave them the runs.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

Yes I adore raw veg , whenever I prepare veg for a meal.....I tend to eat more that chop All raw veg is great ,except potatoes!

 

[Logan]

No not potatoes

 

[MaryMary]

Diffcult to sell on ebay, especially when ...(snip)... @MaryMary if you want to sell seeds,

Ah, alp, I was only yanking your chain. You have so much fun pollinating your flowers, that was what made me curious to try it. And I've read about you selling seeds on "fleabay," as you call it... just a joke...

While I'm thinking about yanking someone's chain, where has @Verdun gone?

Chopping broccoli into 2mm pieces ...(snip)... It is important to chop broccoli as sulforaphane can only be absorbed if the vegetable is 'damaged'.

.07 inches!!! You might as well run it through a blender and eat it as a puree!! Wonder if you could give it a couple good whacks with a meat tenderizer, and "bruise" it to damage it?
WHACK IT!!!

They used to say it's better raw.

Mmm... raw broccoli dipped in ranch dressing or dill dip is quite wonderful. I like raw cauliflower better, though.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

Yep me too....love raw cauliflower

 

[Logan]

Never tried both raw. Cook it in my pressure cooker. It's just like steaming it, lovely flavour.
I don't know where Verdun has gone, haven't seen him on Gardener's world forum or Gardening corner.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

I was in conversation with him after Xmas and he did say he would be back soon.....

 

[Perki]

I've noticed in past few years Verdun goes into hibernation during the winter months. He be back soon tells us which plants are flowering/growing while mine are still hiding or barely out of the ground

 

[alp]

Never tried both raw. Cook it in my pressure cooker. It's just like steaming it, lovely flavour.
I don't know where Verdun has gone, haven't seen him on Gardener's world forum or Gardening corner.

Some people like broccoli so well cooked that it looks awful. i like it crunchy and just cooked.

 

[alp]

?

I've noticed in past few years Verdun goes into hibernation during the winter months. He be back soon tells us which plants are flowering/growing while mine are still hiding or barely out of the ground

Whoa! HOLD THE HORSE! Perki, where have you been? Hibernating as well? Perki, How are you? We need to see your garden and the genius overworking borders.. What have you been up to, tell us mother hens!?

 

[alp]

Today, we went to all sorts of garden centres. There is a lovely place called Bonnetts Garden Village! Well, it's in CM14. Such a lovely place. I never wanted to have a cup of tea in these garden centres, but today I nearly broke the rule.

The prices were reasonable. I bought a variegated holly in form of a standard for under £10. I should have 2, but I hadn't won the lottery, so I needed to be frugal. It's so civilised going towards the east, where trees are tall, houses not so built up and roads being bordered by big green fields.. So lovely! That's the England that I like. Cleared 1/3 of the lean to and have to do more tomorrow.

Bought more stuff .. Ooops.. I'm incorrigible!