Cauliflower
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 53.17
This item was last sold on : 07/13/25
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.
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced | National City CA | 619-869-9921 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Feast and Fareway | Coronado CA | 619-356-5444 |
| The Crack Shack-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 877-230-1871 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| The Crack Shack PB | San Diego CA | 619-450-7978 |
| Marisi La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 951-852-6730 |
| Camino Riviera | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Stout Public House | San Diego CA | 619-702-7933 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Pendry SD (Pool House) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Slowly | San Diego CA | 858-352-6080 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Smoking Gun | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 |
| Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Cantina Mayahuel | San Diego CA | 619-283-6292 |
| The Harvest Honey | San Marcos CA | 616-914-0124 |
| Kitchens for Good - Culinary Program | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| AC Hotel by Marriott SD | San Diego CA | 248-703-3310 |
| Rose Café | Carlsbad CA | 310-399-0711 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Merenda | Oceanside CA | 703-459-4145 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Cardellino | San Diego CA | 619-722-3398 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| California Culinary Arts Institute | San Diego CA | 858-868-1401 |
| Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-255-7373 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Fox Point Farms | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Lofty Coffee Co-Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 760-230-6747 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Vinya: Vino & Vinyasa | San Diego CA | 858-703-8101 |
| UCSD La Jolla (Pritikin Intensive) | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Jalisco Cantina | Carlsbad CA | 619-204-5945 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
| The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa) | Costa Mesa CA | 714-852-3181 |
| Bayside Landing | San Diego CA | 858-270-9200 |
| Miss B's Coconut Club | San Diego CA | 858-381-0855 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
| Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Whiskey Girl | San Diego CA | 619-236-1616 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Storyhouse Spirits Bar | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
| Kinme Omakase | San Diego CA | 619-231-0700 |
| The Loma Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Manhattan of La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0700 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| The Bower | Coronado CA | 949-212-3192 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Dot Cafe | San Diego CA | 914-263-1424 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5995 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-407-8500 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Burgeon Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 760-814-2548 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| The Hop Stop | Poway CA | 858-859-2669 |
| Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
| Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Harney Poway Sushi | Poway CA | 760-533-0051 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Crust & Brew | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Flora Cafe | Bonita CA | 619-339-6604 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Daffodil Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-461-7788 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-942-2104 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| A & M catering | San Diego CA | 206-802-8320 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| Wildland | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Craft House Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Dot to Dot Academy | San Diego CA | 858-485-1978 |
| UCSD Health East campus | San Diego CA | 619-578-3373 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Town & Country Arlo | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| La Dona | San Diego CA | 858-352-8134 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
| Burgo Direct | Chula Vista CA | 619-793-2325 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria | San Diego CA | 619-220-0692 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | Vista CA | 818-259-0995 |
| Shootz Fish X Beer (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-450-8070 |
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
| Wildflour | San Diego CA | 619-289-9240 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Civico 1845 | San Diego CA | 574-210-4025 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower. One
is easiest, three is harder.Podcasts
Latest in season fruits and vegetables posted from the Specialty Produce App
