Cauliflower: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:18, 5 May 2025

Cauliflower, cultivar unknown

Genus
Species	Brassica oleracea
Hybrid parentage
Subspecies
Variety
Cultivar group	Botrytis Group
Cultivar
Marketing names
Breeder

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the species Brassica oleracea. It is known for its compact white head, or "curd," which consists of undeveloped flower buds. It is a close relative of broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts.

Nutritional Value[edit]

Cauliflower is low in calories and high in nutrients:

CAULIFLOWER

Portion	100 g
Fiber, total dietary	1.2 g
Calcium, Ca	0 mg
Iron, Fe	0 mg
Vitamin A, IU	0 IU
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	24.7 mg
Protein	1.18 g
Total lipid (fat)	0 g
Carbohydrate, by difference	4.71 g
Energy	29 kcal
Sugars, total including NLEA	2.35 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium, Na	29 mg
Fatty acids, total saturated	0 g

Excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K
Good source of fiber, folate, and potassium
Contains beneficial antioxidants
1 cup raw = ~25 calories

History[edit]

Cauliflower was originally grown in the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was introduced to Europe around the 16th century and became a staple in many cuisines.

Cultivation[edit]

Cauliflower is a cool-season crop grown annually. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires moderate temperatures. The head matures in 2–3 months and should be harvested when it reaches 6–8 inches in diameter.

Description[edit]

Cauliflower has large green leaves surrounding a dense head of white flower buds. The head is shielded from sunlight by the leaves, preventing chlorophyll development, which keeps the head white.

Culinary Uses[edit]

Cauliflower is extremely versatile and can be:

Roasted
Steamed
Stir-fried
Mashed
Used as a substitute for grains or potatoes (e.g., cauliflower rice, cauliflower pizza crust)

Health Benefits[edit]

Cauliflower may help:

Reduce inflammation
Support digestion
Lower cancer risk (especially colon cancer)
Improve heart health

Keto Friendliness[edit]

Cauliflower is low in net carbohydrates (4.71g carbs – 1.2g fiber = 3.51g net carbs), making it ideal for a ketogenic diet.

Types[edit]

Cauliflower comes in various colors:

White (most common)
Green (known as "broccoflower")
Purple
Yellow/orange

Recipes[edit]

Cauliflower rice – finely processed raw florets sautéed with oil and seasoning
Cauliflower pizza crust
Cauliflower soup
Aloo gobi – Indian cauliflower and potato curry

Interesting Facts[edit]

The head of the cauliflower is called the "curd"
The name "cauliflower" comes from the Italian word cavolfiore meaning "cabbage flower"
It belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables

Gallery[edit]

Cauliflower hummus
Aloo Gobi – Cauliflower with potatoes
Gobi Chilly - Cauliflower Dish
Cauliflower pizza

External links[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Infobox Cultivar ==
 {{Infobox cultivar
 | name = Cauliflower
@@ Line 10: / Line 8: @@
 | subdivision = Many; see text.
 }}
-[[File:Cauliflower 2 bd-c.jpg|alt=Cauliflower|Cauliflower|thumb|left]]
+[[File:Cavolfiore violetto.jpg|Violette cauliflower|thumb|left]]
+[[File:Cauliflower 2 bd-c.jpg|alt=Cauliflower|Cauliflower|thumb]]
 [[File:Cauliflower and beef (2510391241).jpg|alt=Cauliflower and beef|Cauliflower and beef|left|thumb]]
 [[File:Cauliflower in egg.jpg|alt=Cauliflower in egg|Cauliflower in egg|thumb|left]]
 '''Cauliflower''' is a cruciferous [[vegetable]] belonging to the species ''[[Brassica oleracea]]''. It is known for its compact white head, or "curd," which consists of undeveloped [[flower buds]]. It is a close relative of [[broccoli]], [[kale]], and [[Brussels sprouts]].
+[[File:Cauliflower Polonaise.jpg|Cauliflower Polonaise|thumb]]
-== History ==
+[[File:Shishito peppers, cauliflower, pistachio 01.jpg|Cauliflower with shishito peppers and pistachios|thumb|left]]
-Cauliflower was originally grown in the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was introduced to Europe around the 16th century and became a staple in many cuisines.
-== Cultivation ==
-Cauliflower is a cool-season crop grown annually. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires moderate temperatures. The head matures in 2–3 months and should be harvested when it reaches 6–8 inches in diameter.
-== Description ==
-Cauliflower has large green leaves surrounding a dense head of white flower buds. The head is shielded from sunlight by the leaves, preventing chlorophyll development, which keeps the head white.
 == Nutritional Value ==
@@ Line 48: / Line 40: @@
 * Contains beneficial [[antioxidants]]
 * 1 cup raw = ~25 calories
+[[File:Cauliflower and blue cheese soup.jpg|Cauliflower and blue cheese soup|thumb]]
+== History ==
+Cauliflower was originally grown in the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was introduced to Europe around the 16th century and became a staple in many cuisines.
+== Cultivation ==
+Cauliflower is a cool-season crop grown annually. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires moderate temperatures. The head matures in 2–3 months and should be harvested when it reaches 6–8 inches in diameter.
+== Description ==
+Cauliflower has large green leaves surrounding a dense head of white flower buds. The head is shielded from sunlight by the leaves, preventing chlorophyll development, which keeps the head white.
 == Culinary Uses ==
@@ Line 87: / Line 88: @@
 == Gallery ==
 <gallery>
-File:Cauliflower Polonaise.jpg|Cauliflower Polonaise
-File:Shishito peppers, cauliflower, pistachio 01.jpg|Cauliflower with shishito peppers and pistachios
-File:Cauliflower and blue cheese soup.jpg|Cauliflower and blue cheese soup
-File:Cavolfiore violetto.jpg|Violette cauliflower
 File:Cauliflower Hummus (140491065).jpeg|Cauliflower hummus
 File:Aaloo Gobi (Cauliflower with potato) (887168235).jpg|Aloo Gobi – Cauliflower with potatoes