ROMANESCO CABBAGE

L’infiorescenza del cavolo romano è molto particolare in quanto ricorda un frattale, è infatti composta da un insieme di rosette accostate a spirale, a loro volta composte da rosette spiralate. La sua forma globale si ripete allo stesso modo su scale diverse, ogni singola rosetta (piccola cima) del broccolo romanesco, in altre parole, ha la forma di un piccolo broccolo.

What is most astonishing is that the number of rosettes that make up Romanesco broccoli is always a Fibonacci number. That is, a digit that is part of the sequence of the same name, in which each number is the sum of the two previous ones. Here it is, the Fibonacci sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144… and so on. But how is it possible that Romanesco broccoli imitates a numerical succession? It's not easy to explain, but we'll try: the graphic representation of the Fibonacci sequence is in fact a spiral (known as the Fibonacci spiral), which can also be found in shells, sunflowers, pineapples, in the number of petals of numerous flowers, in the arrangement of leaves on branches. Well, many Fibonacci spirals start from the center of the Romanesco broccoli, around which the small peaks arise. Their number is therefore a Fibonacci number, and the same goes for the smallest peaks, from which many spirals in turn originate. Obviously this is not repeated infinitely, because broccoli is not an ideal (fractal) entity, but a true, good and concrete one. But the charm of this vegetable remains intact, as does following those spirals with your gaze, almost a door to perfection. Also because, no one has ever understood why nature follows this arrangement: probably to maximize exposure to solar rays, but how then can we explain the repetition of the Fibonacci sequence in chemistry, economics, electrical engineering, and even in art and music?

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For 92%, it is made up of water and contains a small amount of fiber and protein. The concentration of mineral salts is also good, including, in particular, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Among the vitamins, vitamin C is especially present, together with A and those of group B.
This vegetable has therapeutic uses as a vermifuge, emollient and anti-anemic food.
Thanks to the high concentration of vitamin C, like other cabbage or broccoli, it is able to counteract the action of free radicals. Furthermore, the presence of isothiocyanates seems to be responsible for the anti-tumor properties of this food; among these, sulforaphane stands out, a substance studied for its ability to fight cancer cells. Among the extraordinary healing virtues of this precious food there is also the ability to reduce the risk of cataracts and protect against stroke.