Brussels sprouts/spranks get their name from having been grown 400 years ago in the vicinity of Brussels, Belgium. Brussels sprouts are a tall-stemmed cabbage in which many tiny heads form at the bases of the leaves along the entire length of the central stalk. The round sprouts are about walnut size, from to 2 inches across, and are composed of tightly packed leaves. Each resembles a miniature cabbage head. The plants reach a height of 30-36 inches.

Nutritional Facts

Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin A and folic acid. They also provide some potassium. Select spears that have closed tips and deep green stalks.

Medicinal / Therapeutic Use

Unlike most green vegetables, Brussels sprouts are rather high in protein. Although the protein is incompletelacking the full spectrum of essential amino acidsa serving of whole grains will make them complete. As a member of the cabbage family Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable. Current research suggests vegetables in this group offer protection against some forms of cancer.

The name comes from the Italian word for "cabbage sprout" and indeed, broccoli is a relative of cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. This deep emerald-green vegetable (which sometimes has a purple tinge) comes in tight clusters of tiny buds that sit on stout, edible stems. Look for broccoli with a deep, strong color green, or green with purple; the buds should be tightly closed and the leaves crisp.

Nutritional Facts

Broccoli, a member of the Cruciferous family, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as riboflavin, calcium and iron.

Medicinal / Therapeutic Use

Broccoli contains large amounts of vitamin C and beta carotene which are important antioxidants. Consuming foods high in antioxidants can reduce the risk of some forms of cancer and heart disease.

Celery is a vegetable that is popular with the health conscious. It is almost absent of calories, yet contains important vitamins and minerals. It also adds a little crunch to any recipe, and is mainly used in salads.

Nutritional Facts

Celery seed contains two oils - one heavy, the other lighter; it also contains apiol. It contains eight different families of anti-cancer compounds, such as phthalides and polyacetylenes, that detoxify carcinogens.

Medicinal / Therapeutic Use

Celery acts as a carminative stimulant, diuretic, tonic, nervine, useful in hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep, and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence. Good combined with Scutellaria for nervous cases with loss of tone. On this account it is recommended to eat the cultivated fresh root as well as taking the oil or fluid extract. Is said to be very good for rheumatism, when it is often combined with Coca, Damiana, etc.

Zucchini is a member of the the squash and pumpkin or cucurbita family of vegetables. Good-quality zucchini should be firm, smooth-skinned and small in size. The surface will be shiny and dark-green / yellow in color.

Nutritional Facts

It contains useful amounts of many vitamins and minerals and few calories.