1. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING

2. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family which includes cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts.

3. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING Broccoli has large flower heads, usually green in color, arranged in a tree-like fashion on branches sprouting from a thick edible stalk. The mass of flower heads are surrounded by leaves.

4. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING The name “broccoli” comes from the Latin word brachium, which means “branch” or “arm.”

5. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING Broccoli evolved from the wild cabbage plant on the continent of Europe about 2000 years ago. It was first introduced in the United States by Italian immigrants, but was not widely known until the 1920’s.

6. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING In North America broccoli is grown primarily in California. It is a cool weather crop and does poorly in the hot summer weather.

7. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING Broccoli may be cooked or eaten raw. Cooking, especially boiling, may decrease some nutrient value. Broccoli has a wide range of tastes and textures. The florets are soft and flowery and the stems and stalks are fibrous and crunchy.

8. BROCCOLI WITH RANCH DRESSING Broccoli is high in vitamins C,K, and A as well as dietary fiber. Eating broccoli will help you fight cancer, build strong bones and fortify your immune system.

9. Children’s Literature About Broccoli The Broccoli Tapes by Jan Slepian Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli by Barbara Jean Hicks Broccoli for the Brain: 75 Puzzles and Exercises to Boost Your Brain Power by Michael Noir Enchanted Broccoli Forest by Mollie Katzen REFERENCES http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broccoli http://wwwhttp://www. fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/broccoli.html http://www.sunbowfarm.org/tilth.php http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=45977 http://www.taniokas.com/catering.html http://www.tempelfarms.com/organicfarm.html http://www.extension.umaine.edu/images/DH-broccoli.jpg http://www.drawger.com/carlwiens/index.php?article_id=3938 http://nutrition.about.com/od/changeyourdiet/ss/superfoodssummer_6.htm http://eatbetteramerica.net/Healthified/ranch-dressing.aspx http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/homemade_buttermilk_ranch_dressing/