Useful properties and cultivation of Romanesco roman cabbage

The history of Romanesco cabbage

The birthplace of Romanesco cabbage is Italy. Historians claim that this vegetable was grown even in the Roman Empire. Basically, Romanesco is a hybrid form of broccoli and cauliflower.

The plant has a fractal shape. As for the description, it looks like a flower from a fairy tale or an extinct mollusc. Some scientists are inclined to believe that a certain genetic code is embedded in cabbage.

Romanesco is also known as Romanesque broccoli and coral cabbage.

Botanical description and characteristics of the vegetable

The cabbage we are considering is an annual, belongs to the Cruciferous family. Vegetable size depends on care and soil. In special cases, the height of the plant reaches a meter, and the inflorescences weigh about 500 g. You can also eat small inflorescences, the width of which does not exceed 10 cm.

Composition and calorie content

This variety contains high amounts of vitamins A and C. Romanesco is also rich in zinc, fiber and antioxidants. The vegetable can be consumed by women who follow the figure, since 100 g of cabbage contains only 25 kcal.

Beneficial features

Romanesco has a beneficial effect on taste buds, thins the blood, strengthens the elasticity of blood vessels. The plant contains isocyanates that prevent the formation of tumors.

The vegetable is rich in fiber, which improves intestinal motility. Thus, constipation, hemorrhoids and dyspeptic disorders can be avoided. The plant normalizes the microflora in the intestines, and also prevents fermentation and decay. Regular consumption of the vegetable reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Dangerous properties and possible harm

Although Romanesco does not cause allergies, cabbage causes the following concerns:

• bloating and dyspepsia;
• enhances the processes of gas formation;
• can not be used by people with cardiac ailments and thyroid diseases;
• digestive problems.

Video "Romanesco cabbage - diet vegetable"

This video tells about the features and useful properties of culture.

Common varieties

This Italian vegetable loves warmth, which is why it grows in temperate European countries. In Russia, it became known about him only at the end of the last century. Cabbage takes root well in the central and southern parts of the country.

Planting Romanesco cabbage

This plant is incredibly moody, so the slightest mistake in cultivation can nullify all efforts.

Seedling preparation

Due to the climatic features of Russian regions, Romanesco cabbage needs to be grown in seedlings. In the southern part of the country, it can be planted directly into the ground.

The variety grows poorly on soil with high acidity. You can prepare this soil by adding wood ash.

In order for the seedlings to grow up by the time they are planted in the soil, the seeds must be sown two months before this moment. Prepare a small box of dirt. Sow two seeds in one hole, and the distance between them should be more than 3 cm.It is important to observe a distance of 4 cm between the rows.

After sowing the seeds, place the box in a warm, lit place. When the first shoots appear, the temperature can be reduced to 10 ° C.

Planting seedlings in the ground

You can plant seedlings in open ground after the outside air temperature rises to 12 ° C. The beds are prepared in advance - fertilizers, manure or compost are placed in them. The site must be dug up so that disease spores and harmful insects freeze in winter. You can plant seedlings in areas where potatoes, onions, and cucumbers used to grow.

First, prepare the holes, the distance between which should be 50 cm. Between the rows, the distance should be greater so that you can pass freely. The soil is watered with boiling water or manganese solution. It is necessary to place seedlings in the ground carefully so as not to harm the roots. The ground around the seedlings is watered so that the roots adhere to the ground.

Further care of the culture

Crop care is standard. It needs to be watered vigorously in order to prevent the soil from drying out. Be sure to loosen the soil after each watering and weeding. The plant needs to be fertilized regularly. If your preference is organic, choose chicken manure or mullein. Of the mineral fertilizers, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride are suitable. Top dressing should be carried out three times during the entire growth cycle.

This variety suffers from the same pests and ailments as common cabbage. Monitor the condition of the plant in order to detect trouble in time.

Harvesting and storage

The plant is fully ripe in September. The fruit is small when compared with the parameters of the whole plant. The heads are cut off in the morning until the sun heats them up. Do not overdo the fruit, as the plant can rot or dry out.

Store vegetables in the refrigerator. But do not forget that they quickly lose color and usefulness, and then begin to rot. Therefore, it is advisable to eat cabbage immediately after harvest. If you want to preserve the fruit for a long time, place it in the freezer. On sale, such a vegetable can be purchased fresh, frozen or canned.

The use of vegetables in cooking

You can cook this vegetable according to the same recipes that apply to broccoli. This is due to the similar consumer properties of the varieties. Romanesco is fried, canned, baked and boiled. Compared to broccoli, this variety has a delicate, creamy flavor, and its texture is softer.

As you can see, this healthy vegetable can be grown in your area. Do not forget about its whimsicality and take enough time caring for the cabbage to enjoy its original taste.