Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Wednesday What Not #33



First there was Brangelina now Brusselkale?!

This hybrid green is a cross between Brussels Sprouts and Kale, but boasts a milder flavor.  Considering both players in this couple are superfoods, the nutritional value of Brusselkale is Super - Spectacular (2x the vitamin B6 and 2x the vitamin C found in Brussels Sprouts)!

As an advocate for fresh, whole foods, I was concerned about Brusselkale's possible genetic modifications.  After some research (which I will continue to do before purchasing this dynamic duo), I discovered that hybridization and genetic modifications (GMO's) are two very different processes.  Hybridization is "developed through a specific, controlled cross of 2 parent plants.  Usually, the parents are naturally compatible varieties within the same species (which in Brusselkale's case is Brassica oleracea).  This crossing of varieties happens naturally in the wild - but can be directed by breeders to control the outcome." *   Genetic Modification, on the other hand, entails laboratory gene splicing between vastly different species.  The outcome is a phenomenon that would NEVER occur naturally in nature.

According to Hungry Girl, this produce is now available on the East Coast and should travel west shortly!

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