Cauliflower

Infobox Cultivar

Cauliflower, cultivar unknown

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

Cauliflower

Cauliflower and beef

Cauliflower in egg

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.

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.

Nutritional Value

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

Culinary Uses

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

Cauliflower may help:

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

Keto Friendliness

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

Types

Cauliflower comes in various colors:

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

Recipes

• 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

• 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

• 

  Cauliflower Polonaise

• 

  Cauliflower with shishito peppers and pistachios

• 

  Cauliflower and blue cheese soup

• 

  Violette cauliflower

• 

  Cauliflower hummus

• 

  Aloo Gobi – Cauliflower with potatoes

• 

  Gobi Chilly - Cauliflower Dish

• 

  Cauliflower pizza

See also

• Broccoli
• Vegetable
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Keto diet

External links

• Cauliflower recipes – YouTube
• Keto cauliflower pizza
• Keto cauliflower rice recipe