All About Cauliflower
By Amy Silva
Cauliflower isn't always a top choice for people when they're naming their favorite vegetables. It can come off as boring since it doesn't have much flavor, but it doesn't have to be bland. Roasting cauliflower is much more tolerable than boiled or steamed. It can be eaten raw with dips such as ranch dressing or hummus or cooked in a variety of ways just as broccoli or other vegetables can be. It's also full of nutrients.
About Cauliflower
Cauliflower belongs to the Cruciferae family and also includes broccoli, bok choy, kale, turnips and cabbage, among other vegetables. The plant can reach nearly two feet and the part we eat, called the head, is actually a close group of flowers that hasn't yet matured.
There are various colors of cauliflower aside from white, and there are slight differences between these varieties:
- Green - Tastes sweeter than white cauliflower
- Orange - Contains more Vitamin A than white cauliflower
- Purple - Contains anthocyanin, an antioxidant that gives it its purple color
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is full of essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin B6 and folate, among others. Eating cauliflower could help the digestive tract, maintain a healthy immune system, and assist in weight management. It may also reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure and lower the risk for diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Certain vegetables, including cauliflower, could reduce the risk of certain cancers including colon, pancreatic, lung and breast cancers. One serving contains over three quarters of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. That may come as a shock to some people whose first thought is oranges when they think of foods with high Vitamin C content.
Cauliflower Recipe
Here's a simple recipe for roasted cauliflower with garlic:
- 1 cauliflower head, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 4-5 cloves, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the cauliflower to a large bowl with all other ingredients and toss gently. Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes or until the pieces have a light crisp and are softened, then serve.
Adding cauliflower to your diet could mean better health and prevention of certain diseases. It can add color and a bit of fun to your plate if you purchase a colored variety. Trying different cooking methods and recipes could make cauliflower your new favorite vegetable.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Katy, Tex.