Broccoli is definitely a vegetable superfood, as it packs a powerful nutritional punch by giving you nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, fiber, calcium and antioxidants, which may help prevent chronic diseases. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C. Half a cup of cooked broccoli provides your body with 60% of the vitamin C it needs daily. Vitamin C is not only needed for our immune system to function well, it is also important for the formation of collagen which is the main fibrous component of skin, bone, tendons, cartilage and teeth. Did you know that depending on your genes, you may either love or hate broccoli? That’s right! If you dislike broccoli, you may be able to blame it on genetics. Scientists have found a gene that affects our perception of bitterness. If you have this gene, then you may find the bitter compounds that are naturally found in broccoli unpleasant and therefore dislike eating it. Of course, as we age, taste buds can change and become less sensitive. So even if you disliked broccoli in the past, it doesn’t hurt to give it another try. After all, it is a superfood! Broccoli is an affordable vegetable that is available year round. Frozen broccoli can be used as a substitute for fresh in recipes where the broccoli will be cooked and is a good staple to have in your freezer to use as a quick vegetable side dish. To store fresh broccoli, wrap unwashed broccoli in plastic wrap or in a plastic bag and then store in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator for up to 7 days. ingredients 2 small heads of broccoli, trimmed and washed, cut into small pieces 2 ripe avocados ½ cup olive oil ½ cup grated parmesan cheese ¼ tsp salt Baked corn or tortilla chips Portion: 2 Tbsp; Yield: 16 servings METHOD Place cut broccoli and half of olive oil in food processor or blender and blend until very smooth. Add avocado, remaining oil, and salt and pulse until smooth but not liquefied. Chill. Serve with corn or tortilla chips. BROCAMOLE BROCCOLI G u a c a m o l e w it h a b r o c c o li t w is t!