31 Days of Vegetables

Cauliflower: The Best Ways to Pick It, Cook It, and Eat It

updated Jul 21, 2020
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn

Cauliflower has been the most powerful vegetable of the past few years, roaring into kitchens as so much more than a simple, delicious veggie. No, it’s been jumping into all kinds of surprising places: pizza crust, rice, veggie “steaks” and so much more. Its sturdy texture is one of the most satisfying in the vegetable world, and its mild flavor is a blank canvas for many other tastes we love. If you would like to explore a little more of what cauliflower can do for you, start here.

The Cauliflower Top 5

Five must-tries for the cauliflower-curious.

  1. How cauliflower conquered the grocery freezer.
  2. Why you shouldn’t throw away cauliflower leaves.
  3. I tried Trader Joe’s cult-favorite cauliflower gnocchi.
  4. 10 popular recipes to try first.
  5. If cauliflower and broccolini had a baby…

Is Cauliflower a Vegetable?

Yes it is.

How to Choose the Best Cauliflower

Look for firm, creamy white heads of cauliflower with green leaves and minimal browning on the leaves and the head itself.

Cauliflower Nutrition

In 100g (or about 1 scant cup) of chopped cauliflower there are 25 calories and about 3g net carbs. There is also about 80% of your daily recommended Vitamin C.

Overall cauliflower is, like most other vegetables, very good for you. It is also relatively low-carb and conducive to low-carb and keto-friendly eating styles.

How to Cut Cauliflower

To cut cauliflower, cut it into quarters, then use a chef’s knife to make an angled cut remove the woody central stalk of the vegetable. See more photos and tips here:

And don’t forget about Ina’s smart tip for cutting cauliflower with less mess!

The Best Ways to Cook Cauliflower

Ready to just, you know, eat some cauliflower? Here are the best basic methods to know.

Plus…

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

One of the extra-special magic tricks of cauliflower is how it can be turned into a veggie “rice” or couscous. It’s very easy: just pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it becomes fine grains. Then quickly sauté or steam.

Plus … cauliflower fried rice!

How to Store Cauliflower

Store cauliflower in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or until the head browns. Store in a loose plastic bag for optimal freshness. Cut-up florets can also be stored in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.

How to Freeze Cauliflower

If freezing cauliflower, it’s best to rice it first and then freeze it uncooked.

You can also, if inclined, blanch and freeze cauliflower.

The Best Ways to Use Up Leftover Cauliflower

Have leftover cauliflower? Use one of the recipes below, or rice it and freeze it for later.

Credit: Lauren Volo

Our Top 20 Cauliflower Recipes

The top 20 cauliflower recipes that our readers love more than any others.

What’s your favorite recipe or use for cauliflower? Any favorite way to cook it?

31 Days of Vegetables: How to fall in love with vegetables in 31 days. How many of these splendid veg have you eaten this month? Take a look at the whole list and take our July challenge to eat every single one!