Cauliflower (2024)

What is cauliflower?

A brassica, like cabbage and broccoli, cauliflower is a mass of tiny, tightly packed flower heads (called curds), which grow from a thick central stem to form a single, round head, cupped by green leaves. It has a firm, almost waxy texture, and a mild, delicate flavour.

Most cauliflowers are white, but it's also possible to find green and purple varieties, as well as the sweeter Romanesco cauliflower, with its distinctive pointed florets. Like all brassicas, cauliflower smells very unpleasant if overcooked, so brief cooking is essential.

How to prepare cauliflower

Cut off the surrounding leaves (if they're fresh, they can be cooked, too. Keep thicker-stalked veg for stock). For large cauliflowers, cut off individual florets from the central stem and cut again if necessary. You should end up with florets of a comparable size, so that they all cook at the same pace. Then wash. Smaller, baby cauliflowers can be cooked whole.

How to cook cauliflower

The florets are great used raw in a salad or as part of a crudité selection served with dips.

Cooked cauliflower florets keep their shape best when steamed (5-10 mins) – remember to place them upright in the steamer. It can also be boiled (takes 5-10 mins for florets; around 10 mins for a whole cauliflower). For both cooking methods, test regularly with the tip of a knife to make sure they don't overcook.

Cauliflower can be cut into 'steaks' or wedges and grilled or barbecued so they pick up lots of flavour and char.

Whole cauliflowers can be roasted and carved, like this whole roasted cauliflower with anchovy sauce.

For more recipe inspiration, browse our cauliflower, vegan cauliflower and cauliflower cheese collections, plus read our guide to the top 10 ways to serve cauliflower.

You can also use cauliflower to make a rice substitute.

Watch our video for tips on how to make cauliflower rice:

How to store cauliflower

Store cauliflower in the fridge. It will keep for several days.

When is cauliflower in season?

All year round, but at its best from mid December through to mid April.

Learn how to grow your own cauliflower from the experts at Gardeners’ World.

Choose the best cauliflower

Go for cauliflowers with pure white heads with no discolouration, and crisp green leaves. The colour of the base is a good indication of how recently it's been picked – the whiter, the fresher.

Alternatives to cauliflower

Try broccoli.

Cauliflower (2024)

FAQs

Are there any negatives to eating cauliflower? ›

Andrews says the biggest pitfall with cauliflower is the possibility of digestive discomfort like bloating, gas or cramping, especially if you are sensitive to other cruciferous vegetables. Cauliflower can also cause issues in people with an allergy to cruciferous vegetables or those vulnerable to kidney stones.

Is cauliflower enough vegetables? ›

Cauliflower can replace grains and legumes in many recipes, which is a great way to eat more veggies or follow a low carb diet.

What are the benefits of eating cauliflower? ›

When it comes to nutrition, cauliflower is a superstar. It's high in vitamins C and K, and is also a good source of folate, which supports cell growth and is essential during pregnancy. Cauliflower is fat-free and cholesterol-free. And it's low in sodium.

Is cauliflower a carb or protein? ›

In 1 cup of chopped cauliflower, you'll get 5.3 g of total carbs, 3.2 g of net carbs, 0.3 g of fat, and 2.1 g of protein, per the USDA. Not to mention, you get 320 mg of potassium, making this vegetable a good source of the nutrient.

Is cauliflower healthier, raw or cooked? ›

Eating raw cauliflower provides maximum vitamin C content, but cooking cauliflower allows your body to absorb more nutrients, such as vitamin K and potassium. Roasting or steaming cauliflower brings out its natural flavors and adds a delightful texture.

What's up with cauliflower? ›

What the cauliflower lacks in macronutrients, it more than makes up for in vitamins and phytochemicals. It is a jackpot for those looking to increase their intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin K, C & B6, and folate. One cup of cauliflower covers of your daily nutrient requirement: 77% Vit C.

Which is healthier, broccoli or cauliflower? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

What does cauliflower do to your gut? ›

As a cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber. Fiber helps maintain healthy digestion, reducing your risk of digestive disorders. It also promotes the growth of good bacteria in your gut.

Can you eat too much cauliflower a day? ›

Unfortunately, consuming these vegetables in excess can also lead to digestive issues. The cruciferous vegetables are hard to digest, especially when eaten raw. So, it can easily lead to the problem of bloating or gas.

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? ›

It's recommended to eat at least 3/4 cup of cauliflower every day. This means you should have almost 5 cups every week. For those who can easily digest this vegetable, it would be good to have 1.5 cups every day, which amounts to about 10 cups of cauliflower in a week.

Is cauliflower good for losing weight? ›

Not only is it loaded with fibre, But it is also very rich in vitamin C, K and B6. Another thing it is best known for is its potential to serve as a low-calorie substitute for high-calorie foods such as rice. This makes cauliflower a great food for weight loss.

Is cauliflower a superfood? ›

Cauliflower is a dietary superfood filled with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial molecules despite its pale-colored appearance. Today cauliflower is a popular alternative to many carbohydrate-rich foods, such as rice, Pizza Crusts, and Sandwich Rounds.

Is cauliflower really better than rice? ›

However, rice can be high in calories and carbohydrates, meaning it will fill you up without providing you with many additional nutrients. Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

Is cauliflower gassy? ›

Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.

Is cauliflower good for skin? ›

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with essential nutrients. It is rich in vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate, potassium, and manganese. These nutrients work together to nourish your skin and promote a healthy complexion.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

What pairs well with cauliflower? ›

Anchovy, beef, blue cheese, buffalo mozzarella, butter, cheddar cheese, chickpeas, curry, farro, feta cheese, gruyère cheese, parmesan cheese, pork, quinoa, rice, saffron, tahini, tofu, turkey, turmeric, yoghurt.

What to avoid when buying cauliflower? ›

Avoid cauliflower with small brown specks on the florets; they are a sign of aging. The size of the cauliflower head does not affect its quality. Keep raw cauliflower in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for three to five days.

Is cauliflower an inflammatory food? ›

Bioactive compounds in cauliflower have been shown to reduce inflammation. 18 Cauliflower is also a source of antioxidants, including types that protect against oxidative stress.

Is cauliflower better for you than potatoes? ›

Nutritionally, cauliflower is lighter in calories and carbs than potatoes and is more nutrient-dense. That's why it's popular among the low carb and weight loss communities.

Is cauliflower hard to digest than broccoli? ›

Cauliflower

“Cauliflower, like cabbage, is considered a high-FODMAP cruciferous veggie,” Volpe explains. “It is naturally high in raffinose (a poorly digested carbohydrate constituent) as well as in glucosinolates.” A less-gassy substitute for cauliflower, believe it or not, is broccoli.

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