Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Seasons/Availability
Baby Purple cauliflower's peak season is during the fall and winter months.
Current Facts
Baby Purple cauliflower is a cool-season biennial cruciferous vegetable, botanical name Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, belonging to the plant order Capparales. Purple cauliflower's color is due to the presence of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which can also be found in red cabbage and red wine. Purple cauliflower also goes by the variety names Sicilian Violet, Violet Queen and Grafitti cauliflower.
Description/Taste
Baby Purple cauliflower is smaller and much easier to prepare than the mature, larger size purple cauliflower. Measuring just 2 - 4 inches in diameter, its color ranges from light lavender to a deep purple. The entire plant (floret, stalk and leaves) is edible. It's flavor is milder, sweeter, nuttier and free of the bitterness sometimes found in large Purple cauliflower.
Nutritional Value
Baby Purple cauliflower is high in both fiber and vitamin C and provides a moderate amount of folate, calcium, potassium and selenium. The Purple variety contains a higher amount of vitamin A than traditional White cauliflower.
Applications
A versatile vegetable, Baby Purple cauliflower can be steamed, roasted, stir-fried or used raw. When cooked Purple cauliflower keeps its best color when steamed, sometimes even bringing out brighter shades. The remaining water can turn a surprising shade of green. The petite florets of baby cauliflower are easier than the large variety to segment and the ideal size for adding to pizza, pastas, gratins, frittatas and quiche. Use whole heads of baby cauliflower on vegetable platters or combine with other vegetables for a roasted baby vegetable medley. Their beautiful purple color pairs well with bright green vegetables such as broccoli, green beans and peas. Its petite size makes it ideal for pickling. To store, keep in a perforated plastic bag and refrigerate in the crisper drawer. Do not wash until just before use.
Geography/History
A result of a mutant plant, Purple cauliflower was discovered in the late eighties.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Azul La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-454-9677 |
| Andaz San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-814-2026 |
| Pacific Athletic Club | San Diego CA | 858-509-0700 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Bistro West | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-9195 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Embassy Suites Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-239-2400 ext 700 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Purple Cauliflower. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Wandering Chopsticks |
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Roasted Purple Cauliflower with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar |
| Tigers and Strawberries |
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Roasted Purple Cauliflower with Ghee, Mustard and Cumin |
Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Baby Purple Cauliflower using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 44 days ago Spotter's comments : Gloria's fruits and vegetables has very vivid purple cauliflower. |
