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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
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Cauliflower mushrooms can grow to be very large in size, averaging 10-30 centimeters in diameter and up to one hundred pounds in weight, and are an irregularly shaped, cap-less mushroom composed of clusters of frilled, leaf-like branches emerging from a joined base. The flesh can range in color from ivory, pale yellow, to white and the texture of the folds are brittle and firm with a smooth side that releases spores into the air. Cauliflower mushrooms have a strong aroma of musk and earth, and when cooked, they have a mild flavor with notes of fennel and almond. The older, more mature specimens can become quite tough and bitter tasting.
Cauliflower mushrooms are available in the fall through early spring.
There are many different varieties of Cauliflower mushroom in the Sparassis genus including Sparassis spathulata, Sparassis radicata, Sparassis crispa, and Sparassis herbstii, all belonging to the Sparassidaceae family. Found in western North America, eastern North America, and Europe, Cauliflower mushrooms absorb nutrients from decaying trees and roots and are typically found in individual groupings under conifers and hardwood trees. Cauliflower mushrooms are difficult to find growing wild as they are solitary and appear in specific regions. Valued for their large size and dense, noodle-like folds, Cauliflower mushrooms are considered a delicacy and are favored for use in soups.
Cauliflower mushrooms contain a constituent called sparassol, which is an anti-fungal and antibiotic. The leafy mushroom also contains beta-glucans which have been researched to help boost immunity within the body.
Cauliflower mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling and sautéing. Prior to use, the mushroom should be well-cleaned and inspected as woodland bugs and debris are often found within the dense folds. Once cleaned, Cauliflower mushrooms can be cut into florets and cooked into many different soup bases including chicken, beef, venison, or duck broth, mixed into rice dishes, or incorporated into pasta as the ribbon-like texture of the mushroom makes it an ideal substitute for noodles. They can also be dredged in tempura batter and fried, cooked into pot roast, or served over toast. Cauliflower mushrooms pair well with rice, asparagus, eggplant, fresh sorrel, carrots, celery, steamed vegetables, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, yellow onions, meats such as beef, poultry, and prawns, and russet potatoes. They will keep up to one week when stored in damp paper towels in a container in the refrigerator.
In Japan, Cauliflower mushrooms are known as Hanabiratake and have been cultivated for both edible and medicinal purposes since the early 2000s. Cauliflower mushrooms are commonly used as a noodle substitute in Japan and are served in stir-fries or are served with seafood such as prawns. They are also used as a natural remedy to help the body fight against infections and disease.
Cauliflower mushrooms have been growing wild since ancient times and are found along the west coast in northern California up to British Columbia, on the East coast of the United States up into Canada, and in Europe. Today Cauliflower mushrooms are also cultivated in Japan, Korea, Australia, and in the United States and can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Food Buzz: History of Mushrooms | Listen |
Description/Taste
Cauliflower mushrooms can grow to be very large in size, averaging 10-30 centimeters in diameter and up to one hundred pounds in weight, and are an irregularly shaped, cap-less mushroom composed of clusters of frilled, leaf-like branches emerging from a joined base. The flesh can range in color from ivory, pale yellow, to white and the texture of the folds are brittle and firm with a smooth side that releases spores into the air. Cauliflower mushrooms have a strong aroma of musk and earth, and when cooked, they have a mild flavor with notes of fennel and almond. The older, more mature specimens can become quite tough and bitter tasting.
Seasons/Availability
Cauliflower mushrooms are available in the fall through early spring.
Current Facts
There are many different varieties of Cauliflower mushroom in the Sparassis genus including Sparassis spathulata, Sparassis radicata, Sparassis crispa, and Sparassis herbstii, all belonging to the Sparassidaceae family. Found in western North America, eastern North America, and Europe, Cauliflower mushrooms absorb nutrients from decaying trees and roots and are typically found in individual groupings under conifers and hardwood trees. Cauliflower mushrooms are difficult to find growing wild as they are solitary and appear in specific regions. Valued for their large size and dense, noodle-like folds, Cauliflower mushrooms are considered a delicacy and are favored for use in soups.
Nutritional Value
Cauliflower mushrooms contain a constituent called sparassol, which is an anti-fungal and antibiotic. The leafy mushroom also contains beta-glucans which have been researched to help boost immunity within the body.
Applications
Cauliflower mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling and sautéing. Prior to use, the mushroom should be well-cleaned and inspected as woodland bugs and debris are often found within the dense folds. Once cleaned, Cauliflower mushrooms can be cut into florets and cooked into many different soup bases including chicken, beef, venison, or duck broth, mixed into rice dishes, or incorporated into pasta as the ribbon-like texture of the mushroom makes it an ideal substitute for noodles. They can also be dredged in tempura batter and fried, cooked into pot roast, or served over toast. Cauliflower mushrooms pair well with rice, asparagus, eggplant, fresh sorrel, carrots, celery, steamed vegetables, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, yellow onions, meats such as beef, poultry, and prawns, and russet potatoes. They will keep up to one week when stored in damp paper towels in a container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Japan, Cauliflower mushrooms are known as Hanabiratake and have been cultivated for both edible and medicinal purposes since the early 2000s. Cauliflower mushrooms are commonly used as a noodle substitute in Japan and are served in stir-fries or are served with seafood such as prawns. They are also used as a natural remedy to help the body fight against infections and disease.
Geography/History
Cauliflower mushrooms have been growing wild since ancient times and are found along the west coast in northern California up to British Columbia, on the East coast of the United States up into Canada, and in Europe. Today Cauliflower mushrooms are also cultivated in Japan, Korea, Australia, and in the United States and can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-398-3100 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Ad Libitum | San Diego CA | 909-938-9580 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-637-2222 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 312-415-5455 |
| Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.
