Santee is a super sprouting broccoli
Glucosinolates form a group of plant compounds which are present in cabbages and are linked to a decreased risk of various forms of cancer in people who regularly eat these vegetables. Studies have also revealed that they have an antimicrobial function.
Purple sprouting broccoli has a higher glucosinolates level (mainly the compound iberin) than regular broccoli. Extensive tests have shown that, although the glucosinolate level can vary per season, climate and date of harvest, it's higher in Santee purple sprouting broccoli than in conventional green broccoli varieties. The most important glucosinolate in broccoli varieties is sulforaphane . A study at the Institute of Food Research in the United Kingdom has revealed that iberin has equal health profits to sulforaphane.
Santee purple sprouting broccoli contains around ten times as much glucosinolates as other broccoli varieties and this has no negative effects on the taste, which can happen to some cabbage varieties. "It tastes nice and sweet, like the best sprouting broccoli", says breeder Sue Kennedy of Elsoms Seeds Ltd. "It's a misconception that glucosinolates give a bitter taste and although some compounds do, iberin in Purple sprouting broccoli doesn't."
In the past year the sales of Purple sprouting broccoli has grown steadily and the Santee's (opname) follows this trend. In the United Kingdom, for example, growers have worked hard to improve the cultivation and extend the production period, whilst the European production meets the year round demand. The interest in Santee continues to grow and there is enough seed available.
Bejo Seeds is aware of the the nutrient levels and the health profits of other crops in its assortment. Bejo Seeds is busy maximising the health profits for customers through conventional breeding techniques. A number of new sprouting broccoli lines with a high glucosinolate level have been admitted into the new breeding programme. Besides this Bejo has also researched carotene and lutein level in carrots and the nutrient levels of the new onion and beet varieties have been decided.
Fro more information on Santee and other healthy vegetables lines by Bejo seeds visit stall B-13 in Hall 1.2 at Fruit Logistica in Berlin from the 8th to the 10th of February (www.fruitlogistica.com). The winner of the Innovation Award will be announced on the 10th of February.