Baby broccoli, broccoli sprouts recipes and uses

April 7, 7:36 PMKnoxville Healthy Food ExaminerElizabeth Kelly

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Broccoli sprouts: cancer cure?Photo: Katie Levesque (Creative Commons)

The Internet is abuzz the last few days with the news that baby broccoli might help reduce H. pylori bacteria, which is connected to ulcers and stomach cancer. The study concluded that eating 2.5 ounces of broccoli sprouts seemed to offer protection against these baddies.

First off, it's always interesting when a new study comes out to pick out words like "might" and "seemed to." Read some of the news reports and you'll also see "could," "may" and "possibly."

Before we jump to conclusions about broccoli sprouts (which is what the scientists are referring to when they say "baby broccoli" sprouts were consumed in the study, and not broccolini), we should take a breath, read carefully, and also be aware that broccoli sprouts aren't a miracle cure for cancer.

Broccoli sprouts are, however, an antioxidant and vitamin powerhouse, containing a long list of beneficial goodies: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Amino Acids, Protein and more. Whether they end up being protection against cancer in the long run remains to be proven, but there's no doubt whatsoever that broccoli sprouts may help you with any number of complaints that are nutrient-related.

How to Incorporate Baby Broccoli/Broccoli Sprouts into Your Diet

You might not be used to sprouts of any kind, but you can still find simple ways to use their nutritional right hook in your diet. Try adding them to salads of mixed greens, or using broccoli sprouts to replace the lettuce in your favorite sandwiches. Add a splash of lemon or lime, or a spritz from one of the new salad dressing spritzers, and use them as a side dish, or as a novel bed to rest your grilled salmon on.

One of the tastiest uses for broccoli sprouts is in wraps, where their texture and crunch are an asset. One of my favorite healthy wraps follows, and it's a perfect match with the yummy sprouts.

Smoked Salmon Wrap With Broccoli Sprouts Recipe

1 Whole wheat flatbread, tortilla or wrap
3 oz. lowfat cream cheese
1 big handful of broccoli sprouts
4 oz. smoked salmon
Red onion slices, to taste

Spread wrap with cream cheese and top with a generous portion of broccoli sprouts, then add salmon and red onion and roll up, securing with a toothpick if necessary. If you like a little zing, add a dollop of horseradish or spicy mustard (or even better --horseradish mustard).

Don't be shy about adding sprouts to anything. It can't hurt, and though we're not entirely sure how, it can definitely help.

Do you have your own favorite wraps or recipes using sprouts? Share them in the comments section, or e-mail me your article ideas at ekellywrites@gmail.com.

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