Broccoli

Superfood fads may come and go (remember the wheatgrass craze?), but broccoli’s status as one of the most healthful vegetables out there holds strong. Long known as a source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A and C, broccoli’s also loaded with sulforaphane, an antioxidant shown to reduce the risk of some cancers. But what really makes these edible flowers (the florets are the flowering heads of the plant) exceptional is how appealing they are to all types of eaters—including kids. That’s a quality that truly stands the test of time.

Nutritional Profile

1/2 cup cooked broccoli contains:

27 calories

51 mg vitamin C

110 mcg vitamin K

1,207 IU vitamin A

84 mcg folate

3 g fiber

Broccoli Salad with Raisins and Sunflower Seeds

Hot Broccoli-Artichoke Dip

Quick-braised Broccoli with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

Bow Ties with Broccoli Pesto

White Pizza with Broccoli and Mushrooms (pictured)