Broccoli sprouts facts for kids
Broccoli sprouts are tiny, young broccoli plants. They are usually just three or four days old. These sprouts look a bit like alfalfa sprouts, but they have a taste similar to radishes.
A Quick Look Back
People started eating raw sprouts a lot in the 1970s because they were seen as healthy. But broccoli sprouts became really popular in the 1990s.
In 1997, scientists made an important discovery. They found that broccoli sprouts have high levels of a special compound called glucoraphanin. This discovery was even written about in a big newspaper. Because of this news, suddenly everyone wanted broccoli sprout seeds! There weren't enough seeds to meet the huge demand around the world.
What's Inside Broccoli Sprouts?
Broccoli sprouts are full of a compound called sulforaphane. This compound is being studied to see how it might help our bodies.
They also contain another special compound called glucoraphanin. This is found in tiny storage sacs inside the plant cells.
Where to Find Them
You can find broccoli sprouts in many health food stores. Some regular grocery stores in different countries also sell them.
If you like to grow things, you can buy broccoli seeds to sprout at home. You can use a simple jar or a special kit made for sprouting.
You might also see broccoli sprout powders or capsules. However, it can be hard to know if these products have all the good parts of fresh sprouts. This is because some might not have an important enzyme called myrosinase. This enzyme helps turn glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, which is the compound that scientists are interested in. Without this enzyme, your body might not get the full benefit.
Keeping Sprouts Safe
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggestions for keeping sprouts safe. They recommend that seeds used for growing sprouts commercially should be cleaned and sterilized. This helps make sure the sprouts are safe to eat.
Scientists have also studied how well these safety steps work. Their research helps make sure that the sprouts you eat are as safe as possible.
