Fat-soluble Components of Lateral Flower Buds from Different Varieties of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica PLEN)

Lipids, carotenoids and chlorophylls of the Iateral flower buds of six varieties of field-grown broccoli were investigated. The weight of the edible portion of the lateral flower buds of the broccoli ranged from 19g to 31g, the highest value being found in the Ryokuyo cultivar. The ranges of contents of total lipids and fatty acids per 100g fresh weight in different varieties of broccoli were 830-1051mg and 375-509mg respectively, the highest values being found in the Ryokurei cultivar. The values for carotenoids and chlorophylls were 3.43-8.66mg and 52.7-75.3mg, respectively, the highest values being found in the Chuseimidori cultivar. The proportion of n-3 essential fatty acids (18: 3) was relatively high, ranging from 59% to 63%. The contents of the fat-soluble components and the sizes of edible portions thus displayed characteristic variation among the varieties of broc- Coli.