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Fun Facts
Purple cauliflower is part of the cabbage family with florets that are called curds! And while cauliflower has been around since about 600 B.C., cauliflower wasn't very common in the U.S. until about a hundred years ago. Cauliflower is now really popular because it's so versatile: mash it to replace potatoes, chop it fine like rice, or use it instead of flour to make yummy pizza crust!
Star Power
This cauliflower is purple thanks to the antioxidant anthocyanin, which gives this purpley vegetable strong anti-cancer powers. And while vitamin C, beta carotene and quercetin tackle damaging free radicals, indol-3-carbinol helps fight inflammation. Did you know that cauliflowers are different colors depending on their nutrient content?
Quick Preps
PREPARE: Rinse under cold running water and pat dry. Cut cauliflower into equal size pieces.
- Eat raw or dip in hummus.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
- Add to pizza, pasta or stir-fry.
- Purée roasted cauliflower and serve as a mashed potato substitute.
Fun Tip
Cut up and mix purple, orange and white cauliflower together, grab some blindfolds, and have a taste test!
Star-Powered Recipe
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- Purple cauliflower florets - as many as you need
Black Bean Dip
- 2 cans black beans
- ¼ cup plain, full-fat yogurt
- 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro
- ½ tsp. cumin
- Sea salt and black pepper
Method
- Place black beans, yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a platter and stick the stems of the cauliflower florets in the dip, so it looks like planted purple flowers in mud!
How to Store
Raw: Place uncooked purple cauliflower in a plastic bag and store in the fridge for up to 7 days. To freeze, wash thoroughly, cut off any leaves, and chop into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces. Boil for three minutes, then chill with ice cold water. Dry completely, place in airtight containers, and freeze for up to a year and a half.
How It Grows
Purple cauliflower plants are very thirsty and need lots of water. They can grow up to 8 inches tall and 30 inches wide.
Peak Seasons
Fall, winter
Varieties
Purple Sicily, Violet Queen, Graffiti, Purple Head