Bimi®, a new broccoli hybrid, with high nutritional value

Diet and nutrition are very important factors in promoting and keeping good health throughout the entire human life. Broccoli is a Brassica that has shown numerous biocompounds with well-known health-promoting properties. Bimi (R) (Brassica oleracea Italica x Alboglabra) is a new natural hybrid between kailan (Chinese broccoli) and conventional broccoli. This hybrid has remarkable more pleasant and mild flavour and taste than conventional broccoli cvs. The proteins, dietary fiber and minerals content of Bimi (R) were studied and compared to those of the conventional broccoli 'Parthenon'. Commonly, florets showed higher dietary fiber content than stems for both cvs. Total protein content for Bimi (R) florets was 2.2-fold higher than for Parthenon. Bimi (R) florets also showed the highest amounts of S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Sr, Mn, Zn and Cu. As main conclusion, Bimi (R) florets generally showed healthier properties compared to those of cv. Parthenon.