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 contains many nutrients and plant compounds that may reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Cauliflower is an extremely healthy vegetable that's a significant source of nutrients.

Why does cauliflower make me so 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 an energy-giving food? ›

Eating more plant foods, such as cauliflower, has been found to decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.

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 in one day? ›

Cauliflowers have an important and versatile vitamin-like factor, Choline that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. But like anything in this world, too much cauliflower can also have negative effects. You may encounter gastric issues or some reactions.

What vegetable should I eat every day? ›

Healthy eating means consuming more dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. Include more red or orange vegetables, such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and legumes, in your diet (dry beans and peas).

What is the number one food that causes bloating? ›

Beans. It's hardly a surprise to see beans atop the list of bloat-causing foods. After all, the legendary powers of this legume have even captured the attention of lyricists: Beans, beans, the musical fruit… Science is behind that tune, explains Czerwony.

How to remove gas from cauliflower? ›

Here is how to reduce bloating from cauliflower – and other cruciferous veggies for that matter – in 5 steps.
  1. Start slow and chew well. ...
  2. Cooked is better than raw. ...
  3. Pair them with some digestive herbs and spices. ...
  4. Drink more. ...
  5. Take some probiotics or digestive enzyme.
Mar 18, 2024

Why do I feel sick after eating cauliflower? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.

Is cauliflower anti-inflammatory? ›

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 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 does cauliflower do to the brain? ›

Cauliflower is a source of choline, an essential nutrient we need for mood, memory and recall. As such, it is a key building block of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in signalling the central nervous system. Choline is also essential for brain development.

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.

Can you eat too much broccoli or cauliflower? ›

Can impact thyroid levels. Sadly, broccoli impacts the functioning of your thyroid gland, because it is goitrogen in nature. They are those chemicals which suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland. This chemical interferes with iodine in your body, due to which your thyroid gland enlarges and leads to goitre.

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