Why Cauliflower Spoils Easily and How to Keep It Fresh

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Cauliflower may not be the most sought-after vegetable on the shelf, but it is versatile: it can be roasted until golden and crisp or turned into rice.

According to Eating Well, cauliflower provides many of the same essential vitamins as broccoli, including vitamins C, K and B6. A cup also contains several grams of fibre and protein. It has less carbohydrate and protein than broccoli.

One of cauliflower’s most overlooked qualities may be its keeping power. Unlike more perishable vegetables such as asparagus and green beans, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a while, provided it is kept properly.

“[Poor storage] can cause discolouration, soft spots and faster spoilage. Keep cauliflower cold and dry in the refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable drawer,” said Littley.

Lee Jones, a farmer and owner of the regenerative vegetable farm The Chef’s Garden in Ohio, stressed that cauliflower needs to breathe. Littley and Jones both recommend removing tightly sealed plastic packaging if the vegetable comes home from the grocery shop wrapped in it.

At a minimum, Littley said, loosen the packaging so moisture does not become trapped around the cauliflower. Jones prefers to remove the plastic entirely and transfer the cauliflower to a Simple Ecology cotton mesh produce bag.

“Look for cauliflower that is compact, blemish-free and heavy for its size at the grocery shop. Heads that appear to be separating are usually less fresh, as are those with brown or wilted leaves,” Jones said.

Medium to large cauliflower heads can be wrapped in a breathable bag and kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, Jones said. Although cauliflower may not be the most appealing vegetable in the fridge drawer, it can bring the essence of autumn to a plate. The right storage can keep it fresh long enough to enjoy at its best.