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Cauliflower
Inventory, 12 ct : 107.01
This item was last sold on : 07/25/24
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.
Harney Poway Sushi | Poway CA | 760-533-0051 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
333 Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-433-3333 |
The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
Local Greens | Solana Beach CA | 858-504-0332 |
Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
Noble House Hotels & Resorts | San Diego CA | 619-276-4010 |
Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
Poseidon on the Beach | Del Mar CA | 858-755-9345 |
Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
The Guild Hotel 2024 | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria | San Diego CA | 619-220-0692 |
Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
Craft House Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
The Local-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 858-263-7475 |
Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
The Lion Share Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Whiskey Girl | San Diego CA | 619-236-1616 |
Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
The Whaling Bar | La Jolla CA | 858-355-9218 |
Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
Churchill's Pub and Grille | San Marcos CA | 760-471-8773 |
Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
Coasterra | San Diego CA | 619-814-1300 |
Tahona (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
Cardiff Seaside Market | Cardiff CA | 760-753-5445 |
The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
Jalisco Cantina | Carlsbad CA | 619-204-5945 |
Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
Coin-Op Game Room (North Park) | San Diego CA | 818-448-0129 |
The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa) | Costa Mesa CA | 714-852-3181 |
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
Tavern at the Beach | San Diego CA | 858-272-6066 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
Seasoned Catering and Events | San Diego CA | 619-246-4909 |
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
Monarch School | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced | National City CA | 619-869-9921 |
Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
Regency Twin Oaks | San Marcos CA | 909-325-6941 |
insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
Fish Guts | San Diego CA | 619-888-0081 |
Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Stout Public House | San Diego CA | 619-702-7933 |
Savory Moment (1) | El Cajon CA | 619-633-8863 |
Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
Webbcreationfood LLC | San Diego CA | 619-829-9194 |
Spirit of Adventure Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-454-9711 |
Miguel's 4S Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-924-9200 |
Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
Coin-Op Game Room (Downtown) | San Diego CA | 619-255-8864 |
Embassy Suites Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-481-9349 |
The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
Pizzeria Luigi | San Diego CA | 610-539-7025 |
The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
Venissimo Cheese Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-847-9616 |
Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-212-8751 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
The Islander | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
Something Homemade | Vista CA | 858-245-1004 |
C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
AC Hotel by Marriott SD | San Diego CA | 248-703-3310 |
Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | Vista CA | 818-259-0995 |
Pure Meal Prep SD | San Diego CA | 209-485-4861 |
Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Pacific Coast Spirits | Oceanside CA | 925-381-5392 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
Cove House | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0034 |
Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
31ThirtyOne by Deckman | San Diego CA | 619-495-9814 |
The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
Javier Plascencia | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
Dot Café | San Diego CA | 914-263-1424 |
Deeply Nourished | La Jolla CA | 808-489-7366 |
Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Edgewater Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-7581 |
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
Shootz Fish X Beer (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-450-8070 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Pendry SD (Pool House) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
The Hop Stop | Poway CA | 858-859-2669 |
Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
Miss B's Coconut Club | San Diego CA | 858-381-0855 |
Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
Botanica | San Diego CA | 619-310-6320 |
Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
St. Paul's Senior Services | San Diego CA | 619-239-6900 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower. One
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