Work this healthy head into your next meal
Best to buy
Choose a firm, heavy cauliflower head with compact, cream-colored florets and no sign of the brown specks that form as cauliflower ages.
Cut & clean
Wash well just before using. Cut into florets by pulling away the leaves and cutting around the core on the underside. Separate the florets by cutting them apart from the inside. Quick tip: Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or a cup of milk to the cooking water prevents discoloration.
Power food
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of folic acid.
Quick & easy recipe
Cut cauliflower into large florets, toss with olive oil and fresh thyme, and roast or steam. Serve with a light cream or cheese sauce.
Varieties
Besides the common white variety, cauliflower is occasionally found in green and a vibrant purple color that turns pale green during cooking. According to USDA nutrition information, green cauliflower provides extra vitamin A and slightly more vitamin C than white. Baby cauliflower is also available.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Wash cauliflower well just before using. Cut it into florets by pulling away the leaves and cutting around the core on the underside. Separate the florets by cutting them apart from the inside of the cauliflower. The green leaves at the base are edible, but have a stronger flavor than the florets. Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or a cup of milk to the cooking water will prevent discoloration. Cut cauliflower into large florets, toss with olive oil and fresh thyme, and roast, or steam it and serve with a light cream or cheese sauce.
Nutritional Highlights
Cauliflower (raw), 1 cup (100g)
Calories: 25
Protein: 1.98g
Carbohydrate: 5.2g
Total Fat: 0.2g
Fiber: 2.5g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (46.4mg)
*Good source of: Folate (57mcg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.
Copyright 2007, Healthnotes, Inc., 1505 S.E. Gideon St., Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97202, www.Healthnotes.com.
2006-09-07
