Vegetables are an indispensable part of our daily diet as they provide us with various nutrients and vitamins necessary for leading a healthy life. In addition to being nutritious, vegetables are also delicious. One of the most popular vegetables that is packed with nutrients and is also exceptionally delicious is cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable is popularly used in many dishes across the world, and it is a staple ingredient in many regions across the world.
History Of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is said to have been first domesticated in the Mediterranean region and then moved on from there to across the world with sailors and traders. The cauliflower belongs to the same family as broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables.
Appearance Of Cauliflower
Cauliflower has a bunch of florets tightly held together by a thick core or stem. The entire vegetable is also surrounded by pale green leaves, giving it the appearance of a flower. Usually, cauliflower is white in color but they also come in purple, orange, and yellow.
Flavor Of Cauliflower
The overall taste of cauliflower has a mildly sweet and nutty taste with a crunchy texture. Once cooked, the florets of the cauliflower turn semi-solid with a tender texture, adding flavor to any dish that it’s used in.
Culinary Benefits
Cauliflower is a very versatile vegetable so you can cook it in many different ways. You can roast it, boil it, grill it, steam it and create a variety of dishes with it.
One of the most popular dishes in India involving cauliflower is Aloo Gobi, a vegetarian dish made with potatoes, cauliflower, and spices.
Roasted cauliflower is a popular dish that is enjoyed by people around the world. It is also consumed along with rice in various regions of the world. Check out this delectable roasted cauliflower recipe with Tahini dressing.
Cauliflower is also used to make soups and is sometimes used as a topping for famous foods like pizza. It is also used to make stews, sales, and salads. This pork and cauliflower mash with red cabbage slaw is a must try dish.
Cauliflower is extremely versatile and is used in many flavorful dishes around the world. So, why not give a cauliflower twist to the famous gratin? Take a look at our cauliflower gratin recipe here.
Storage
An entire cauliflower, without being cut up, can last for 4 to 7 days if properly sealed in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator. Cooked cauliflower can last about 5 days if properly stored in the refrigerator. Frozen cauliflower can last for up to 12 months in the freezer.
