Jake Sternquist
Cauliflower is one of the most unique yet often misunderstood vegetables.
Seriously, how many other ingredients are as versatile as cauliflower but also so polarizing?
This versatility comes from the growing popularity of low-carb and dairy-free diets.
Photo:Jake Sternquist
One of the challenges with cauliflower, however, is breaking it down into florets and steaks.
Plus, lets face it, cutting cauliflower can make a big mess.
This family of vegetables tends to have a slightly bitter, almost sulfury flavor when eaten raw.
Jake Sternquist
However, when cooked, especially roasted or grilled, these vegetables become toasty and even a bit sweet.
you could typically find cauliflower in your grocery store year-round.
Locally grown cauliflower is frequently available in the fall or early winter.
Jake Sternquist
Whatever time of year you are buying it, look for firm, tight florets with vibrant green leaves.
Avoid cauliflower with wilted or yellowish leaves.
Dark spots on the white florets is also a sign the cauliflower may be a bit old.
Jake Sternquist
It should feel relatively heavy for its size, but the flavor wont change much based on its size.
Green cauliflower, also called broccoflower, is a hybrid of cauliflower and broccoli.
Start by giving it a good rinse under cold water, then dry it with a clean kitchen towel.
Jake Sternquist
From this point, youre ready to start cutting up your cauliflower head.
How to Cut Cauliflower into Wedges
Cauliflower wedges are ideal for grilling or ahearty stew.
I prefer to cut cauliflower into wedges when the cauliflower is a central component of a dish.
Jake Sternquist
Heres a simple way to cut a head into wedges.
Avoid using a sawing motion as you slice to limit the mess.
Repeat with second half.
Jake Sternquist
How to Cut Cauliflower into Florets
Florets are the most common way to use cauliflower.
In this bite-size form, cauliflower can be used for anything from agratinto asaladorgrain bowl.
There are two methods I prefer.
Jake Sternquist
Method 1: Start by cutting the cauliflower into wedges as instructed above.
Place each wedge on its side, then cut out the core.
it’s possible for you to eat the core, though its quite fibrous.
Jake Sternquist
I like to add it to my frozen bag of veggie scraps for making stock.
Youll get bigger florets this way, so cut them into smaller pieces, if desired.
Cutting a head for steaks is quite simple.
Jake Sternquist
Heres how to do it.
Step 2:Cut each half into 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick planks.
Be sure to leave the core intact, as the steaks will fall apart without it.
As such, you may want to buy two heads if they are small or medium.
Use any leftover cauliflower for another recipe, or enjoy it as a little chefs snack.
Avoid using a sawing motion.
Place one half cut-side down on the cutting board and cut in half again straight through the core.
Repeat with second half.
To cut cauliflower into florets:Start by cutting the cauliflower into wedges as instructed above.
Place each wedge on its side, then cut out the core.
Cut each half into 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick planks.
Leave the core intact to hold the steaks together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cut the cauliflower in half straight through the core.
Lay each half cut-side down, then cut in half again through the core to create wedges.
Remove the core from each wedge and use a paring knife to break up the florets into bite-size pieces.
To clean a cauliflower, start by trimming away any leaves.
Note that the leaves are actually edible and are delicious sauteed like spinach or other leafy greens.
Rinse the cauliflower head under cold running water, being sure to rinse all sides of the cauliflower.
Dry well with a clean kitchen towel.
Trim a bit of the stem away.
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.
