April 23, 2010

Friday's Featured Food: Cauliflower

Sometimes I think we take the "eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies" a little too literal. Cauliflower, for example, should be white. Right? Not at our house. This year, we have:
  • White Cassius: This main-season cauliflower produces a uniform, dense, and well-domed head. Vigorous, large plants give good protection from the sun.
  • Orange Cheddar: This beautiful, early, orange cauliflower holds well in the field. It becomes an even brighter orange when lightly cooked. We grow the orange for all the Clay Center Tiger fans! And maybe a few Abilene Cowboys, but only because they are family.
  • Green Veronica: Spiraled heads. Heads are lime green with pointed, spiraled pinnacles. Best planted in summer for harvest in the fall, or midwinter in mild climates. Plant 18" apart to give the large plants adequate space. Mild, nutty taste. I bet the girls will love this variety, just because it looks like a princess crown. ...and
  • Purple Graffiti: Stunning, flashy purple heads. Graffiti's brilliant purple heads attract attention. The colorful florets are attractive served raw with dip or as a cooked vegetable. Unlike Violet Queen, Graffiti produces a true cauliflower head on large plants. Best for fall harvest, but can also be sown in spring. We grow this one just for the K-State fans, looking for something healthy to add to the tailgate. Besides, won't it look lovely with our purple potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers?
My favorite use of cauliflower is not very exciting: I wash it, chunk it, and eat it raw, with or without salad dressing. Like broccoli, the more fresh the cauliflower is, the more vibrant it tastes. If I'm not eating it raw, I steam it and top with a little bit of shredded cheddar. YUM!

But, for those who want a bit more creativity, you could try this recipe for a pickled cauliflower, from Alton Brown. Or how about a cauliflower soup, from the Pioneer Woman. Or how about this cauliflower au gratin from Taste of Home, because everything tastes better with bacon.

Now that I look at that, I'm definitely making that soup, as soon as we have a head ready to pick...which should be in a matter of weeks! Yay!
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