What's In Season?

Cauliflower!

Cauliflower originated in Asia around the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed that cauliflower was grown and consumed all across Europe as early as the 1500s, though it did not make its way to the United States until the 1900s.

Cauliflower is closely related to broccoli, which may seem obvious due to the physical resemblance. But what many may not know, is that it is also related to kale, turnips, cabbage, rutabagas, and Brussels sprouts!

Cauliflower is an extremely healthy vegetable, containing an array of nutritional benefits. Beyond being low in calories and high in fiber, cauliflower also contains potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and Vitamins K, C, and B6. Cauliflower is also high in the rare and essential nutrient choline. Choline is a nutrient that many people are unknowing deficient in, due to the fact that not many foods contain it. Choline helps support the integrity of cell membranes, brain development and function, and may lower the risk of heart and liver diseases.

Due to this winning nutritional combination, cauliflower is believed to aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation, reduce high blood pressure, and could protect against several diseases such as cancer.

Cauliflower has become increasingly popular amongst the gluten-free community, as it can be used to replace grains in your diet. It is also popular amongst vegetarians as it can be prepared to replace meat within a dish. Some examples of these preparations include cauliflower “steak,” and sesame cauliflower with rice (to replace chicken).

Some common methods of consuming this versatile vegetable are in a cauliflower mash, as cauliflower rice, cauliflower crust for pizza, cauliflower hummus, and of course roasted on its own as a side or main dish.

No matter how you enjoy it, cauliflower is a delicious vegetable with great health benefits to include in your diet this spring!