Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a variety in the cruciferous family, which are also part of Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli. It is an annual plant with a best time from September to January.

Its shape is very similar to broccoli but the head of the cauliflower is white, surrounded by thick green leaves. The head has to be tight and clean, because the presence of brownish spots or a soft texture are indicative of the cauliflower is too old.The size of a cauliflower can be up to 30 inches in diameter and weigh up more than two kilos.

Varieties of Cauliflower

Besides the white cauliflower, we can find in the market, the following varieties:

Cauliflower by sun exposure has developed more chlorophyll therefore its color has turned greenish. It is also known by the name of Romanesco.

Purple Cauliflower, owes its color to anthocyanins content once boiled but turns yellow.

Minicoliflor, which by its high price is reserved for haute cuisine

Cauliflower seasonal, varying in size and firmness depending on the season. In summer are very compact, in autumn are great winter and are softer and smoother than before.

Uses cauliflowerColorful Cauliflower

In the kitchen, we can prepare the cauliflower in many ways, boiled, roasted, steamed, fried, stewed or gratin. It is usually served as an accompaniment to many dishes (vegetable or rice), although their presence is common as an ingredient in vegetable stews.

It can also be garnished fish dishes, such as cod or can even make an omelette with cauliflower or even a delicious souffle.

Nutritional properties

As for its nutritional components, note that the cauliflower is rich in B vitamins, folic acid and minerals, especially potassium and phosphorus. For this reason, cauliflower has diuretic properties and is beneficial to help in cases of hypertension and fluid retention.

One drawback is that the cauliflower can cause flatulence (although less so than the other varieties of cabbage). That cause flatulence due to the fiber content and especially sulfur. One trick to make it something softer may be boiled with cumin or fennel.