Math: now available as a super-food.
Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting Romanesco Cauliflower. Your eyes do not deceive you, those words again were Romanesco Cauliflower.
Portland's farm-stands and organic produce sections are now featuring this amazing seasonal super-food. It has the delicate flavor of traditional varieties of cauliflower, like "snowball" or "snow crown", with one very large difference.
Fractals.
Each spiral peak of this fascinating vegetable is a faultless illustration of the mathematical principal of fractals. At once, a mind-bending example of math in nature, and a delightful addition to your fall dinner table, this vegetable boasts several health boosting phytochemicals, such as the anti-cancer compound sulphoraphane.
Okay, now, before you get completely lost in the numerical, nutritional charm of this alluring, albeit bizarre vegetable, let's talk about availability. I've often heard farmers regard it as "That alien lookin' brocco-flower", or "moon lettuce", either way be prepared to recieve an appropriately oddball description. It also goes fast. Farmers' markets will usually sell out before noon, so remember :the early bird gets the sulphoraphane fractal moon broccoli.
Next up: Preparation! You can use Romanesco in the same recipes you use white cauliflower in. It makes a lovely (albeit surreal) addition to a steamed vegetable medley or a cold crudites platter. Try it in your favorite vegetable soup, but make sure to add it close to last, as longer cooking times will decrease it's heralded appearance.
Search for this gem of the brassica oleracea family at your nearest Portland Area farmers market. Clicking here will guide you on your outdoor market search. Some of our loyal farmers markets have shut down for the season, but the admirable PSU Saturday Market will continue to provide us with fresh farm vittles until December 19th.
The lucky shopper may find our vegetable of honor at these noble establishments:
Now go forth, shop, experiment and send me your fabulous results!
Comments
fractals + veggies = awesome!!
Super-Cauli-fractal-awesome-sulphoraphane-ocious.
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