Cauliflower
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 31.28
This item was last sold on : 04/22/25
Description/Taste
Cauliflower consists of a medium to large head, averaging 15 to 30 centimeters in diameter, and is surrounded by many elongated, dark green leaves that bear a thick, fibrous midrib. The heads are comprised of tightly closed, branching florets that are firm, slightly crumbly, and range in color from bright white to ivory. The clustered floret tops also give the Cauliflower head a textured and bumpy, tree-like appearance. Underneath the surface, the white flesh has a crisp and dense, snap-like consistency. Cauliflower contains a light, vegetal scent and has a mild, sweet, and subtly nutty flavor. When cooked, the heads develop a chewy, semi-firm, and tender texture and readily absorb accompanying flavors. In addition to the heads, all parts of the plant, including the stems and leaves, are edible. Cauliflower leaves will bear a slightly stronger, green, and grassy flavor, reminiscent of collard greens.
Seasons/Availability
Cauliflower is available year-round.
Current Facts
Cauliflower, botanically classified as Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, is a well-known vegetable cultivated worldwide, belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The name Cauliflower is derived from a combination of the Latin words caulis, meaning “cabbage,” and flos, meaning “flower.” The cruciferous species is an ancestor to an ancient wild cabbage and is a plant comprised of several large and wide-spreading, ribbed basal leaves that grow up to 1.5 meters in height. Cauliflower is considered an everyday vegetable, commercially produced, but despite its availability, the plant is notoriously difficult to cultivate, requiring specific growing conditions. White Cauliflower is the most common type, and the signature white heads are created by tying the leaves to block out sunlight approximately 3 to 10 days before harvest. In addition to white Cauliflower varieties, orange, purple, and green hybrid cultivars were also developed and released to commercial markets in the late 20th century. Colored Cauliflower varieties are not genetically modified and were created from traditional breeding techniques and natural mutations. Cauliflower is highly favored among chefs for its versatility, neutral flavor, nutritional properties, and filling nature.
Nutritional Value
Cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The florets also contain vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, folate to develop red blood cells, vitamin B6 to maintain a healthy metabolism, and provides lower amounts of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Applications
Cauliflower has a neutral flavor well suited to raw and cooked applications, including steaming, blanching, roasting, sautéing, baking, grilling, and frying. The cruciferous vegetable can be used whole, sliced, chopped, crumbled, or pureed. When used whole, the Cauliflower’s head can be roasted and served as a centerpiece dish, or it can be sliced into thicker pieces and paired with toppings, sauces, and spices as a savory meat replacement. Cauliflower can also be divided into smaller parts, and the florets can be tossed into salads, displayed on appetizer plates with creamy dips, stir-fried with other vegetables, baked into casseroles and gratins, or steamed and served as a simple side dish. Beyond cutting the heads into florets, Cauliflower can be crumbled and incorporated as a simple carb substitute for rice, pasta, and other grains, or it can be mixed with binding ingredients to make pizza crust. It can also be pureed and blended into soups, curries, and sauces, used as a thickener in smoothies, baked goods, and puddings, cooked and mashed, or pickled for extended use. In addition to the heads, Cauliflower leaves are also edible and can be tossed into soups, stir-fried, or sauteed with other vegetables. Cauliflower pairs well with spices such as saffron, curry, cardamom, and cumin, meats such as poultry, beef, and turkey, tofu, legumes, mushrooms, asparagus, red peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, lemons, and olives. Whole Cauliflower heads can be loosely wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 7 days. Individual florets can be stored for up to 4 days when kept in a sealed container in the fridge or blanched and frozen for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Cauliflower was established as a culinary ingredient across Europe through its popularity in the French court during the reign of Louis the XIV. The king’s gardener, Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie, was asked to create an orchard and vegetable garden for the palace to provide King Louis XIV with fresh produce daily. It took La Quintinie five years to complete the garden, and King Louis XIV would frequently visit the garden as he was also an avid gardener. Cauliflower was one of the vegetables planted in the garden and was considered an exotic delicacy reserved for nobility. King Louis XIV traditionally favored Cauliflower in a sauce comprised of lemon juice, nutmeg, vinegar, butter, and salt. It was also often served in mutton jus. Cauliflower continued to be a staple ingredient in the palace even after King Louis XIV's reign, and his son and successor, Louis XV, ensured it was a frequently used ingredient as it was loved by Comtesse du Barry, the well-known mistress to the king. Comtesse du Barry’s chef, Louis Signot, eventually created a Cauliflower soup in honor of the countess, which became a royally approved appetizer. In the modern-day, dishes including Du Barry in their names typically contain Cauliflower as one of the main ingredients. Crème Du Barry, the countess’s soup, is still featured on menus throughout France as a smooth, creamy favorite.
Geography/History
Cauliflower's exact origins have been heavily debated among experts, and the two main centers of origin are hypothesized to be the Middle East, likely Syria, or the Mediterranean, specifically Cyprus. Cauliflower is a descendant of a wild cabbage variety that is native to coastal regions of the Mediterranean and was widely spread across the Mediterranean and the Middle East in ancient times. The first record of Cauliflower was mentioned in texts from Arab botanists in the 12th and 13th centuries. Over time, Cauliflower was domesticated and introduced throughout Europe, and by the 15th century, Italy was commercially cultivating the species for culinary use. Cauliflower was brought to England and France in the early 17th century, and England later spread the plant to the United States in the late 17th century and India in the 19th century. Today Cauliflower is extensively bred and cultivated worldwide, and there are four major groups within the species, consisting of Italian, Asian, Northwestern European biennials, and Northern European annuals. China and India are the largest producers of Cauliflower, and in Europe, the vegetable is cultivated in Italy, France, and Spain. Within the United States, California is the top growing state, followed by Arizona and New York. Cauliflower is also grown on a smaller scale worldwide and can be found fresh or frozen in local markets, farmer’s markets, supermarkets, and specialty grocers.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Sepulveda Meats & Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-501-1878 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria | San Diego CA | 619-220-0692 |
| The Local-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 858-263-7475 |
| Wildland | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Marine Group Global Services LLC | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Mississippi Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Craft House Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Kinme Omakase | San Diego CA | 619-231-0700 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Flora Cafe | Bonita CA | 619-339-6604 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| A & M catering | San Diego CA | 206-802-8320 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Merenda | Oceanside CA | 703-459-4145 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | Vista CA | 818-259-0995 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Jalisco Cantina | Carlsbad CA | 619-204-5945 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Shootz Fish X Beer (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-450-8070 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Fairplay | San Diego CA | 303-870-0065 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Wildflour | San Diego CA | 619-289-9240 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Harney Poway Sushi | Poway CA | 760-533-0051 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Echale | Encinitas CA | 303-210-2892 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Stout Public House | San Diego CA | 619-702-7933 |
| Dot Cafe | San Diego CA | 914-263-1424 |
| Deeply Nourished | La Jolla CA | 808-489-7366 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Slowly | San Diego CA | 858-352-6080 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Food by Chef Ty | Vista CA | 424-278-8626 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
| Miss B's Coconut Club | San Diego CA | 858-381-0855 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
| The Loma Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-232-1234 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Patisserie Melanie | San Diego CA | 619-677-2132 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Residence Inn Downtown Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-487-1200 |
| Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
| Local Greens | Solana Beach CA | 858-504-0332 |
| Lilo | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced | National City CA | 619-869-9921 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn | San Diego CA | 877-517-9340 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Fish Market Downtown -2025 | San Diego CA | 619-232-3474 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Pendry SD (Pool House) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant) | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
| Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-407-8500 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Dot to Dot Academy | San Diego CA | 858-485-1978 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
| Vinya: Vino & Vinyasa | San Diego CA | 858-703-8101 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
| The Crack Shack PB | San Diego CA | 619-450-7978 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-212-8751 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Bayside Landing | San Diego CA | 858-270-9200 |
| UCSD Health East campus | San Diego CA | 619-578-3373 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-255-7373 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa) | Costa Mesa CA | 714-852-3181 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| AC Hotel by Marriott SD | San Diego CA | 248-703-3310 |
| Rancho Valencia New Restaurant | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| UCSD La Jolla (Pritikin Intensive) | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| College Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| La Dona | San Diego CA | 858-352-8134 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Whiskey Girl | San Diego CA | 619-236-1616 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Elks Lodge 2698 -Donation | Lakeside CA | 619-390-4949 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| The Bower | Coronado CA | 619-606-8424 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
| The Hop Stop | Poway CA | 858-859-2669 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Monello (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Cove House | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0034 |
| DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-881-6900 |
| Fox Point Farms (Haven) | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower. One
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