Broccoli

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica

Botanical Description: Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family, closely related to cabbage, kale, and cauliflower.

Cosmetic Benefits: Broccoli extract is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and sulforaphane. It helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and promote a clear, radiant complexion.

Scientific Overview: Broccoli is known for its dense clusters of green flower buds, which are harvested for culinary and nutritional purposes.

Cultivation and Harvest: Broccoli is cultivated in temperate regions worldwide. The heads are harvested before the flowers fully bloom, typically in the late spring or early summer.

Plant Morphology: Broccoli plants have thick, upright stems with large, dark green leaves. The edible part of the plant is the flower head, which consists of tightly packed buds.