The main difference between broccoli and broccolini is that broccolini is a hybrid version of broccoli that is smaller in size and more delicate in flavour compared to ordinary broccoli.
Though broccoli and broccolini look similar in appearance, broccolini is a little sweeter and shares a taste similar to asparagus. Compared to broccoli, broccolini is richer in its fibre and vitamins C content. Therefore, the nutrient and flavour profiles of these two green vegetables vary from each other.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Broccoli
– Definition, Features, Nutrients
2. What is Broccolini
– Definition, Features, Nutrients
3. Similarities – Broccoli and Broccolini
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Broccoli and Broccolini
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Broccoli, Broccolini
What is Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable just like kale, cabbage, or brussels sprouts, rich in a variety of beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, potassium, and fibre. Most significantly, compared to other vegetables, broccoli has a higher protein content. It is possible to consume broccoli both raw and cooked even though the best way to eat this green veggie is to steam it gently.
Raw broccoli has a profile of almost 90% water, 7% carbs, 3% proteins, and no fat. In brief, broccoli has a quite low percentage of calories. However, this green vegetable is rich in fibre, which is a vital part of a healthy diet as fibres improve human gut health and further helps to shed some pounds. One cup of freshly plucked broccoli gives you 2.3 grams of fibre.
What is Broccolini
Broccolini is a hybrid version of ordinary broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Compared to ordinary broccoli, broccolini has longer stems and smaller florets. Unlike broccoli, broccolini tastes a little sweeter and peppery. Since its introduction to the United States of America in 1998, broccolini has become one of the frequently used ingredients by chefs in every corner of the world.
If you detest how broccoli tastes but still long for a healthy alternative, broccolini is the best choice because broccolini is packed with nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and fibre, which helps your gut health and help to keep your blood sugar levels low at the same time. Furthermore, broccolini is also rich in proteins. For instance, one cup of broccolini includes the same percentage of protein you may find in a cup of rice. However, the interesting fact is that broccolini contains only about half the calories of that cup of rice.
Similarities Between Broccoli and Broccolini
- Broccoli and broccolini are cruciferous vegetables. Simply put, broccolini is a hybrid version bred with ordinary broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
- Both green vegetables are rich in vitamins and fibres and share a low carb profile.
- These two vegetables share a similar appearance.
- Compared with other vegetables, both broccoli and broccolini are richer in their protein content.
Difference Between Broccoli and Broccolini
Definition
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, while the broccolini is a hybrid version of broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
Flavour Profile
Broccolini has a slightly sweeter and peppery taste than ordinary broccoli.
Nutrient Profile
Broccoli is a vegetable rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, potassium, and fibre, while the broccolini is rich in vitamins A and D, calcium, magnesium and fibre content.
Conclusion
The main difference between broccoli and broccolini is that broccoli is an original cruciferous vegetable, while broccolini is the hybrid version of ordinary broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It is true that these two greens share distinct flavour profiles. However, both are low carb sources rich in vitamins and fibres and would become ideal choices to be added to your daily diet if you are trying to burn your calories.
Reference:
1. Brennan, Dan. “Broccolini: Health Benefits of Eating Your Greens.” WebMD, WebMD, 8 Apr. 2021.
2. Hill, Ansley. “Top 14 Health Benefits of Broccoli.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 Sept. 2018.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Broccolini (43827374891)” By Ella Olsson from Stockholm, Sweden – Broccolini (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Broccoli” By Tiia Monto (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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