How to Clean Cauliflower and Cut It

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Learn how to clean cauliflower which is essential for optimal taste, safety, and nutrition. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Before you can enjoy its deliciousness, it needs to be properly cleaned.

Instruction on how to clean and cut cauliflower.

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Cauliflower is a great addition to any meal, but it can be difficult to know how to clean and cut properly. To make sure you are getting the most out of your cauliflower, learning the correct techniques for how to clean cauliflower and how to cut cauliflower will ensure you get maximum flavor and texture.

Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K and is often served cooked or as a raw ingredient in salads and relishes.

What Is Cauliflower

Cauliflower belongs to the same family of vegetables as broccoli, kale, and cabbage and has a mild flavor. Cauliflower heads are made up of numerous small white florets attached to a central stem which can be peeled off and cooked.

The texture of cauliflower varies between crunchy, when eaten raw or lightly steamed, to soft when it’s boiled or roasted.

A cauliflower before cutting.

Types of Cauliflower

The most common type of cauliflower is the white variety. This white floret has a mild flavor that goes well with almost any recipe. Try roasting it with olive oil and garlic for a tasty side dish or turning it into creamy mashed “potatoes” as a healthier alternative.

Other types of cauliflower include orange, green and purple varieties.

A bowl of cauliflower floret.

Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower contains high levels of vitamin C which helps with immunity and skin health. It’s also rich in B vitamins which promote cell growth and metabolism. A

Additionally, cauliflower has anti-inflammatory properties due to its abundance of antioxidants.

How to Clean Cauliflower and Cut It

STEP 1: REMOVE LEAVES

Remove the leaves off the base of the cauliflower.

Tools to cut the cauliflower.

STEP 2: CUT

Begin cutting from the top of the crown to the bottom through the stem. Place the cauliflower halves cut sides down on a cutting board and cut the halves vertically once more.

STEP 3: REMOVE CORE

Lay a quarter of the cauliflower on the cutting board and angle the knife to cut out the core. Repeat this step with the remaining cauliflower quarters.

Soaking the vegetable.

STEP 4: SEPARATE

Use your hands to pull apart the cauliflower to create florets which will make the cauliflower easier to clean. If necessary, use the knife to further chop.

STEP 5: RINSE

Transfer the cauliflower pieces to a colander and place them under running water to get rid of dirt and bugs.

STEP 6: PREPARE TO BLANCH

Fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. While the water comes to a boil, prepare a separate bowl filled with ice water.

STEP 7: ADD FLORETS

Place the cauliflower florets into the large pot and boil for about 1-2 minutes.

STEP 8: TRANSFER FLORETS

Using a slotted spoon, remove the florets from the large pot and immediately place them into the prepared ice bath.

STEP 9: DRY

Dry the cauliflower with a paper towel or kitchen towel. You can cook the cauliflower immediately after drying or store it in the fridge to use later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

DO YOU WASH CAULIFLOWER BEFORE OR AFTER CUTTING?

Cauliflower should only be washed after cutting it into smaller pieces.

CAN YOU EAT CAULIFLOWER RAW?

Cauliflower is a very versatile vegetable that you can consume raw, which requires very little preparation.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT CAULIFLOWER STEMS?

Cauliflower stems are edible! Try adding them to stocks, soups or even grating them to use for salads or coleslaw.

A bowl of cauliflower floret.

Expert Tips for How to Clean Cauliflower and Cut It

  • Flash-Freeze: To flash-freeze blanched cauliflower, place the florets on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid.
  • Faster Drying: Use a cheesecloth to increase drying time after washing the cauliflower florets
  • Recommended Tools & Equipment:

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Instruction on how to clean and cut cauliflower.
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How to Clean Cauliflower and Cut It

Yield: 4 people
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 2 minutes
Total: 12 minutes
Learn how to clean cauliflower which is essential for optimal taste, safety, and nutrition. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Before you can enjoy its deliciousness, it needs to be properly cleaned.
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

  • Remove the leaves off the base of the cauliflower.
  • Begin cutting from the top of the crown to the bottom through the stem. Place the cauliflower halves cut sides down on a cutting board and cut the halves vertically once more.
  • Lay a quarter of the cauliflower on the cutting board and angle the knife to cut out the core. Repeat this step with the remaining cauliflower quarters.
  • Use your hands to pull apart the cauliflower to create florets which will make the cauliflower easier to clean. If necessary, use the knife to further chop.
  • Transfer the cauliflower pieces to a colander and place them under running water to get rid of dirt and bugs.
  • Fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. While the water comes to a boil, prepare a separate bowl filled with ice water.
  • Place the cauliflower florets into the large pot and boil for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the florets from the large pot and immediately place them into the prepared ice bath.
  • Dry the cauliflower with a paper towel or kitchen towel. You can cook the cauliflower immediately after drying or store it in the fridge to use later on.

Expert Tips

  • Flash-Freeze: To flash-freeze blanched cauliflower, place the florets on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid.
  • Faster Drying: Use a cheese-cloth to increase drying time after washing the cauliflower florets

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1787mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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