green and red superfood

HOW TO USE BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER LEAVES

Don’t toss those leaves! Broccoli and cauliflower are not just about their florets. Their leaves, often discarded, are packed with nutrients and can add a delightful texture and flavor to your dishes. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using these often-overlooked greens and provide you with creative ideas to incorporate them into your meals. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make the most of these nutritional powerhouses!

CAN YOU EAT BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER LEAVES?

Cool-season gardening brings an abundance of brassicas – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and more. We usually eat the tender parts of the plant, like “the broccoli and cauliflower unopened florets” and “the center head of the cabbage.” But what about the outer leaves and stems? Can you eat broccoli and cauliflower leaves?

The answer is yes! In fact, according to Registered Dietician Karen Donaldson, MS, RD, LD, the “leaves actually are a richer source of beta-carotene than either the stems or florets.”

“Superfood” is not too strong a word for these nutrient-dense leaves. They are packed with healthy vitamins like A, C, and K, along with calcium, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, and thiamine. Don’t let all this nutrition and garden goodness go to waste—the part of the plant we typically eat is small compared to the abundance of outer leaves and stems.

HOW TO USE CAULIFLOWER AND BROCCOLI LEAVES FRESH

Here are some ideas for using fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and other brassica stems and leaves:

  • Add the leaves to stock or soup.
  • Make chips! Kale isn’t the only green that packs a crunch as chips.
  • Grate and use for coleslaw or salads (peel center stems before using).
  • Add leaves to smoothies.
  • Sauté and use the small tender leaves like chard or spinach.
  • Juice them.
  • Use leaves in wraps.
  • Feed them to your chickens.

HOW TO PRESERVE BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER LEAVES

Even with plenty of ways to use broccoli and cauliflower leaves, you may still end up with an abundance. The best way to preserve them is by dehydrating or freeze-drying, then turning the leaves into a powder, which makes storage easy and convenient. Here’s a simple method:

  • Collect the Leaves: After harvesting the heads and florets, wait until you’re ready to remove the plant. Harvest the leaves, using them right away.
  • Prepare the Leaves: Roughly chop the leaves, removing stems if desired. Soak them in water for 5-10 minutes to clean, then lay them flat to dry on a towel.
  • Process in a Freeze Dryer or Dehydrator:
    • To Freeze Dry: Fill trays with leaves, leaving stems intact for a 12-18 hour process, or without stems for 6-8 hours. Store immediately in an airtight container.
    • To Dehydrate: Process leaves at 95°F (35°C) for 12-48 hours until crispy.
  • Grind into Powder: Once fully dried, crumble the leaves and grind them into powder using a blender or potato masher.
  • Use the Powder: Add the superfood powder to smoothies, soups, chili, or any dish you like. It’s an easy way to boost nutrition!

CONCLUSION

By incorporating broccoli and cauliflower leaves into your diet, you’re not only adding a nutritious element to your meals but also reducing food waste. These often-discarded greens offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your overall health.

Remember, there are countless ways to enjoy these versatile leaves. From sautéing them with garlic and olive oil to blending them into smoothies or soups, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you’re preparing broccoli or cauliflower, don’t be afraid to experiment with the leaves. You might just discover a new favorite ingredient!

15 BEST SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS FOR DAMAGED HAIR

Damaged hair is the obsession of many people, causing hair to become tangled, split ends, break and lose its inherent shine. Understanding that, this article will introduce to you 15 “savior” shampoos and conditioners specifically for damaged hair, helping you restore smooth and shiny hair.

OUR TOP PICKS

MONDAY HAIRCARE MOISTURE SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER SET

Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Set is a hydrating duo designed to revitalize dry, coarse, and stressed hair. Infused with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, rice protein, shea butter, and vitamin E, this salon-quality formula gently cleanses while deeply conditioning, leaving hair soft, smooth, and manageable. Dermatologically tested and free from harsh chemicals, this set promotes healthy hair growth and thickness, while the recyclable packaging aligns with the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH LIGHT MOISTURE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Aveda Nutriplenish shampoo and conditioner offer a gentle yet effective cleanse for dry hair, soothing the scalp while delivering intense hydration. Packed with nourishing superfoods like pomegranate and coconut oils, as well as mango butter and oat extract, this duo revitalizes dehydrated hair, leaving it noticeably softer and more manageable after just one use. The rich, creamy formulas are a delight to apply, resulting in hair that feels thoroughly clean without being stripped of essential moisture.

NEXXUS ULTIMATE MOISTURE THERAPPE SHAMPOO AND HUMECTRESS CONDITIONER

High-quality hair care can be expensive, but Nexxus shampoo and conditioner offer exceptional value. Priced around $30, this duo is a budget-friendly option for reviving damaged hair. Infused with green caviar and elastin protein, they nourish and repair dry, brittle strands. We noticed a visible improvement in hair health and shine with each use.

AMIKA NORMCORE HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Amika’s Normcore collection is a dream for those seeking healthier hair. Packed with hair-nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn, shea butter, and coconut acid, the shampoo and conditioner duo delivers intense moisture without weighing hair down. Both products have a rich, creamy texture perfect for taming thick hair, leaving it soft, hydrated, and revitalized.

DAVINES MOMO SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Dry hair often lacks essential nutrients and moisture. To restore its health and vitality, opt for products rich in vitamins that can thicken and strengthen your hair. Davines Momo Hydrating shampoo and conditioner, featuring Cartucciaru melon packed with vitamins A, C, E, and niacin, offer a solution. These lightweight formulas not only nourish your hair but also enhance shine, softness, and manageability, transforming dry, lifeless locks into healthy, voluminous tresses.

KÉRASTASE NUTRITIVE HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Craving shiny, soft, and strong hair? Look no further than Kerastase’s Nutritive line. This hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo is packed with niacinamide and plant-based proteins to fortify and shield your hair from damage. They work in harmony to condition and detangle dry hair, leaving it looking and feeling its best.

LOLAVIE RESTORATIVE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Static and flyaway hair often signals dryness or damage. To restore your hair’s health, consider Lolavie’s Restorative shampoo and conditioner. This Jennifer Aniston-backed product is packed with plant-based powerhouses like vegetable ceramides, vegan keratin, and B vitamins biotin and niacinamide, working together to nourish, strengthen, and revitalize your hair.

OLAPLEX BOND MAINTENANCE NO.4 SHAMPOO AND NO.5 CONDITIONER

If you’re dealing with product buildup from daily styling, you need a powerful hair duo that cleanses without compromising moisture. Olaplex’s shampoo and conditioner offer a deep clean without drying out your hair. The shampoo lathers beautifully, leaving your hair feeling incredibly refreshed after just one wash. This cleansing power has been consistent throughout our testing period.

PUREOLOGY HYDRATE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Pureology’s sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner duo is a game-changer for color-treated hair. Enriched with green tea, sage, and plant-based proteins, this vegan formula deeply hydrates, strengthens, and protects hair color. We noticed immediate improvements in hair thickness and health after the first wash, with even more noticeable bounce and softness after consistent use. Our scalp and strands also felt revitalized thanks to the added moisture.

REDKEN ALL SOFT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Thin, dry hair can be challenging to manage as many hydrating products tend to weigh it down. To combat this, you need a shampoo and conditioner that deeply nourish without leaving residue. We recommend Redken’s argan oil-infused duo, designed specifically for dry, brittle hair. Their creamy textures distribute easily and effectively hydrate without leaving any greasy feeling post-rinse.

SHU UEMURA URBAN MOISTURE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Dry hair doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice lightweight hair care. Shu Uemura’s Urban Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner offer a solution with their thinner yet nourishing formulas. Infused with moringa oil and red algae, these products strengthen and protect hair from damage while providing essential hydration. Additionally, the antioxidant-rich ingredients shield your hair from environmental pollutants, leaving it healthier and more vibrant.

VIRTUE LABS RECOVERY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Scalp irritation is common with frequent hair product use, especially for those with dry hair. Virtue Labs’ shampoo and conditioner offer a gentle solution. Infused with their patented Alpha Keratin 60ku, the products repair damage while strengthening and thickening hair. Additional ingredients like quinoa, baobab, and grapefruit extract promote hair growth and overall health, all without aggravating the scalp.

ORIBE GOLD LUST REPAIR & RESTORE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Craving lustrous locks? Oribe’s shampoo and conditioner duo is a game-changer. Infused with argan and cypress oils, plus a fortifying blend of caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and plant collagen, this pair deeply moisturizes and revitalizes hair. The shampoo strikes the perfect balance for your scalp, preventing that stripped feeling, while the conditioner seals in hydration for silky smoothness. After six weeks, we were showered with compliments on our noticeably healthier hair.

L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SERIÉ EXPERT ABSOLUT REPAIR GOLD SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Are you looking for a way to restore your dry, damaged hair? L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Gold shampoo and conditioner duo could be the answer for you. Formulated with Gold Quinoa and Protein, this shampoo targets broken hair bonds to mend and prevent future breakage. By creating a smoother hair surface, it reduces split ends and frizz, leaving your hair not only healthier but also with a luxurious shine.

MOROCCANOIL HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Are you having trouble with dry, damaged hair after dyeing or chemical treatment? Moroccanoil Moisture Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner may be the solution for you. Containing antioxidant-rich argan oil, it nourishes and strengthens hair. Keratin helps rebuild broken fibers, restoring elasticity and manageability. This shampoo doesn’t stop there – it also adds moisture and shine, making your hair noticeably stronger and healthier.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER FOR DRY HAIR

Absolutely! Here’s a summary of what to look for in a shampoo or conditioner for dry hair:

Hydrating ingredients: Look for ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter which will moisturize and soften your hair, while also preventing breakage.

Avoid sulfates and harsh ingredients: These ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils, so opt for sulfate-free and gentler formulas.

FAQ

1. What are the signs of damaged hair?

Damaged hair often appears dry, brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage. It may also lack shine and be difficult to manage.

2. How should I use shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair?

Wash your hair 2-3 times a week, don’t wash your hair too often.

Massage scalp gently when shampooing.

Use conditioner after shampooing, focusing on the length and ends of your hair.

Rinse hair with cool water.

CONCLUSION

Above are 15 popular shampoos and conditioners for damaged hair today. Each product has its own advantages and uses, suitable for different hair types and levels of damage. You should choose products that suit your needs and hair condition to achieve the best results. In addition, combining the use of shampoo and conditioner in the same set will help enhance the effectiveness of hair care. With perseverance and proper care, you will quickly regain the soft, smooth, shiny hair of your dreams.