Cauliflower
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 39.43
This item was last sold on : 06/16/25
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.
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Dot to Dot Academy | San Diego CA | 858-485-1978 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Wildflour | San Diego CA | 619-289-9240 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| The Loma Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| A & M catering | San Diego CA | 206-802-8320 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Embassy Suites Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-481-9349 |
| Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-255-7373 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Stout Public House | San Diego CA | 619-702-7933 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced | National City CA | 619-869-9921 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Harney Poway Sushi | Poway CA | 760-533-0051 |
| Manhattan of La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0700 |
| The Harvest Honey | San Marcos CA | 616-914-0124 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| The Hop Stop | Poway CA | 858-859-2669 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| AC Hotel by Marriott SD | San Diego CA | 248-703-3310 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| California Culinary Arts Institute | San Diego CA | 858-868-1401 |
| Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Craft House Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa) | Costa Mesa CA | 714-852-3181 |
| Miss B's Coconut Club | San Diego CA | 858-381-0855 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Cantina Mayahuel | San Diego CA | 619-283-6292 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Fortunate Son | San Diego CA | 619-806-6121 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Kitchens for Good - Culinary Program | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Cardellino | San Diego CA | 619-722-3398 |
| El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria | San Diego CA | 619-220-0692 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| The Crack Shack PB | San Diego CA | 619-450-7978 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Flora Cafe | Bonita CA | 619-339-6604 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Mamas Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-233-6262 |
| Venissimo Cheese Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-847-9616 |
| Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. | San Diego CA | 508-289-2667 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| UCSD La Jolla (Pritikin Intensive) | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | Vista CA | 818-259-0995 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| The Prado at Balboa Park Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch) | San Marcos CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Shootz Fish X Beer (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-450-8070 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Merenda | Oceanside CA | 703-459-4145 |
| Whiskey Girl | San Diego CA | 619-236-1616 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Burgo Direct | Chula Vista CA | 619-793-2325 |
| The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| La Dona | San Diego CA | 858-352-8134 |
| Marine Group Global Services LLC | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
| Carbon | San Diego CA | 702-423-3807 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Slowly | San Diego CA | 858-352-6080 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| UCSD Health East campus | San Diego CA | 619-578-3373 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Storyhouse Spirits Bar | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
| Daffodil Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-461-7788 |
| Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Dot Cafe | San Diego CA | 914-263-1424 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Mississippi Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Kinme Omakase | San Diego CA | 619-231-0700 |
| Riviera Supper Club | La Mesa CA | 619-713-6777 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Smoking Gun | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Barra Oliba | San Diego CA | 610-310-5110 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Communion | San Diego CA | 619-606-5568 |
| Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Fairplay | San Diego CA | 303-870-0065 |
| Vinya: Vino & Vinyasa | San Diego CA | 858-703-8101 |
| Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| Trust Restaurant (Bar) | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Cove House | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0034 |
| Pendry SD (Pool House) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-407-8500 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower. One
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