Abstract
Six different cultivars of broccoli were analyzed for the major antioxidant phytochemicals. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed amongst the cultivars for vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, a-tocopherol and phenolic contents at edible maturity stage. Vitamin C content ranged from 25.5 to 82.3 mg/100 g; maximum was in 'NS-50' (82.3 mg/100 g) and 'Lucky' had minimum (25.5 mg/100 g). The beta-carotene and lutein contents ranged from 0.48 to 1.13 mg/100 g and from 0.41-1.02 mg/100 g, respectively. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) content ranged from 0.22 to 0.68 mg/100 g; maximum tocopherol was in 'Sultan' (0.68 mg/100 g). The phenolic content ranged from 44.5 to 82.9 mg/100 g; maximum was in 'Sultan' (2.9 mg/100 g) and minimum in 'Hybrid No.2' (44.5 mg/100 g).