Spice It UP!!! Cauliflower

I seriously slacked on this series last year, but I will definitely do better this year!  The plan is to feature an ingredient or spice on the last day of every month and link it back to recipes I have created (these will be updated with more recipes if the ingredient or spice is used).  My first selection: cauliflower!

{source}

Nutrition

Although most nutritionists encourage everyone to eat a rainbow of vegetables, many people don't count cauliflower as a color because it is white and might be less nutritious.  However, according to World's Healthiest Foods helps with the body's detox system, antioxidant system, and inflammatory system.  Cauliflower also aids in digestion because it packs 3 grams of fiber in every 25 calories (about 1 cup).  The chart below shows the vitamin and mineral content of 1 cup of raw cauliflower.

Nutrients in
Cauliflower
1.00 cup raw (107.00 grams)

Nutrient%Daily Value

vitamin C85.9%

vitamin K20.7%

folate15.2%

choline11.1%

vitamin B610%

potassium9.1%

fiber8.5%

manganese8.5%

molybdenum7.1%

vitamin B57.1%

tryptophan6.2%

phosphorus4.7%

protein4.1%

magnesium4%

vitamin B23.5%

vitamin B13.3%

vitamin B32.7%

iron2.5%

Calories (26)1%

{source}

This source verifies the nutrition content found on World's Healthiest Foods.  Both sources state that cauliflower is native to Asia--I didn't know that!

Selecting

Select cauliflower with tight, compact buds and a snowy, creamy color.  The cauliflower should feel heavy in your hand.  They are best in the winter season. 

Storing

They should store for a week in the fridge, upside down to prevent moisture from molding the florets.

Cooking

Cauliflower is best (most nutritious) in its rawest form, but it can withstand any cooking method.  This vegetable does release a sulfurous smell when cooking.

Recipes

Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Mashed Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower Gratin
Roasted Cauliflower with Brown Butter Bread Crumbs

Warnings

Both websites state that people suffering from thyroid diseases will need to be careful eating this vegetable in prolong and large quantities because it contains compounds called goitrogens which swells the thyroid.

Pin It