Lattes, espresso, cappuccino, mocha-perhaps, a majority of
us might have already tried out the different types of coffee. Certainly, we
all love the refreshing and revitalizing taste of coffee, don’t we? But,
sitting in a coffee shop, stirring the steaming cup of black coffee, not many
of you would have thought about broccoli coffee? Well, this is a topic
that has grasped the entire food-passionate world population’s attention.
Although the hate for broccoli has prompted many to criticize
the new addition, it has more benefits than the vegetable itself!
Where did it come from?
Innovation in basic coffee seems sane and sensible. But who
on earth thought of broccoli coffee?! Well, the mere name of this new and
unique form of coffee might have made you question the same; who’s the
genius green geek?
If we trace the origins of this rather nutritious cup of
coffee, you’d be surprised to know it’s a 21st-century thing. It is how the food
and health trends have evolved and advanced, if you may say.
The green idea did not sprout up from one geeky mind only.
Rather it was an outcome of a collective effort from an entire group. (Whether
we’re thankful or not, we’ll sort that out later!) Back to the concept, it
developed in Australia’s renowned and dedicated research and agricultural
departments, namely CSIRO or Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization
and Hort Innovation.
The departments became concerned about the health of their
fellow natives after conducting a diet survey. Results of the survey stated
that 80% of the adult Australian population did not consume the required amount
of fruit & vegetables as per the national dietary guidelines. Hence, the
genius minds came up with a dehydrated, dark green powder made from the air or
freeze-dried broccoli buds. It was then infused into coffee to make it
palatable and easy-to-consume.
Accepting Mary Ann’s (the lead researcher of CSIRO) suggestion, the science departments are working on the Broccoli powder project. They plan to develop the powder further and incorporate it into other beverages like smoothies as well as snacks and baked goods.
Nutritional Stats
Since broccoli coffee is a derivation of the broccoli powder,
its nutritional value is the same too. According to broccoli coffee developers,
two tablespoons of broccoli powder has the nutritional content of the one whole
vegetable.
Belonging to the cruciferous family, the broccoli has a high
concentration of Glucosinolates, the healthy compounds. These healthy compounds
get activated at the time of either chewing or chopping broccoli. Comprising of
broccoli, broccoli coffee has cancer-inhibiting properties. The anti-oxidant
beta-carotene is present in high amounts, which inflicts anti-cancer effects on
the human body. Also, the availability of calcium and folate means healthy cell
growth and development.
According to a study conducted at the Department of food
science and human nutrition, University of Illinois, the broccoli-powder supplemented
food and drinks, such as broccoli coffee, improve the liver and colon health.
The two organs are the center of detoxification and involve several
anti-oxidants as well as enzymes. The broccoli coffee can enhance the
anti-oxidant and enzyme activity significantly.
Moreover, fibromyalgia patients may notice health
improvements from the intake of broccoli coffee as it prevents the absorption
of toxins. Hence, consuming broccoli coffee may augment one’s digestive system.
Other Ways to Use Broccoli Powder
No wonder, the idea of sipping up this coffee is creeping
you out already. A majority did not approve of the idea of messing up with
their coffee. But there’s good news; Broccoli coffee is not the only
healthy drink that one can prepare from broccoli powder. There are several
other ways to use this green, nutrient-rich powder in our daily meals.
You can replace the spinach powder or any other green powder in your smoothies, soups, dips, and sauces. To avail the complete nutriment of the powder, avoid exposing the powder to heat. Add it when serving the dish or at the end of the cooking process (with minimal heat encounter). You can even add it to pasta dough or egg-based dishes.
Is the Broccoli Coffee worth trying?- Final Remarks
Masses have despised the new coffee variation merely because
of its link to the much-hated broccoli. Indeed, the broccoli coffee does have
that greenish tint and tastes somewhat similar to the vegetable. However,
brushing away the nutritious drink only because of taste and appearance is,
undeniably, an unwise decision. The nutrient-packed broccoli coffee can boost
one’s health significantly. Hence, it is a must-try option. But, if you truly
fear the return of the childhood broccoli feels, then you can add in a few
flavorings.
#Broccoli #Coffee #Cool
