5 minute read

Plants on Your Plate

Next Article
Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

PLANTS ON YOUR PLATE Cauliflower

While we are accustomed to finding cauliflower year-round in the grocery store, it is also a favorite cool season vegetable that can be found as farmers markets are winding down for the season. Many people might find this vegetable bland on its own, but cauliflower is rapidly gaining attention and popularity for its versatility.

Cauliflower is member of the Brassica family, making it related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. The word cauliflower literally means ‘cabbage flower’. It originated from the island of Cyprus in the 13th century before making its way to western Europe in the 16th century and eventually to the United States in the 1900s. Today, California is the top producer of cauliflower, as well as Arizona, Florida, and Texas. The cooler climate states of Michigan, New York, Washington, and Oregon also make the list of top producing states.

Cauliflower is a good source of vitamins C, K, B6 and folate, as well as the minerals potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. While white cauliflower is most common, selective plant breeding has also produced green, orange, and purple varieties. The various color varieties also supply unique phytonutrients found in their color families: beta carotene in orange, anthocyanins in purple and chlorophyl in a green variety also known as broccoflower. Even the standard white cauliflower provides the phytonutrient sulforaphane, which is found in the colored varieties as well. Sulforaphane is the compound that gives a bitter taste to vegetables in the Brassica family, particularly when overcooked. With this rich nutrient profile, cauliflower joins the list of vegetables that provides protection against diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and other inflammation related health conditions.

When selecting cauliflower look for heavy, dense heads that are four to six inches across, with bright green intact leaves. No matter which color variety, there should be no discoloration on the florets, also called ‘curds’. Cauliflower wrapped in sealed plastic can hasten mold and spoilage, so it is recommended to transfer to a loosely sealed bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture for storage up to seven days.

For maximum flavor, nutrition, and color retention, choose steaming, sauteing or roasting over boiling. A bit of acid such as lemon juice also aids in keeping white cauliflower from darkening. Because of its neutral flavor, cauliflower can be easily combined with other vegetables in a mixed sauté and is also commonly used in curry dishes. It has also become a popular replacement for rice when finely chopped or as a main ingredient in low carb pizza crust. A favorite preparation at my house it to mix with mashed potatoes, which reduces the carbohydrate count and increases the fiber content (and no one will really notice). Because this involves boiling the vegetables to get them soft enough to mash, I like to save the cooking water and freeze for use in soup or stew. I hope you will give this recipe a try!

Cauliflower and Potato Mash-Up

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS 2 pounds potatoes, cut into cubes 1 head cauliflower (about 1 pound) chopped 2 Tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup skim milk ½ cup reduced fat sour cream

Wash hands and food preparation surfaces. Wash potatoes and cauliflower with water prior to cutting.

In a large pot, combine cauliflower and potatoes. Cover with water and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Drain water from vegetables. Save water to use in soup or stew.

Heat oil in skillet and sauté garlic until golden, watching closely as not to burn.

Place potatoes and cauliflower in a large bowl and mash with a masher or mixer until smooth. Add garlic, oil, milk, and sour cream and mix until combined. Serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 199, Total Fat: 7.5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 46mg, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 4.5g, Protein: 5.5g

Recipe adapted from Seasonal and Simple.info, analyzed by verywellfit.com.

DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja

Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJacksonCo) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-4825850 or visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region.

Euston Hardware 6955 Tomahawk Rd Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913)262-1405

Euston Hardware 453 E Red Bridge Rd Kansas City, MO 64131 (816) 216-7197

Packs Hardware 116 N 169 Highway

Smithville, MO 64089 (816) 532-0525 PACK’S

HARDWARE

1601 Tudor Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO (816) 525-4226

One Stop Shop For Fall Decorating!

Mums, Pumpkins, Large & Small Gourds, Grasses, Corn Stalks, Pansies and More! FALL TREE & SHRUB SALE!

Top Soil • Mulch • River Rock • Sand • Gravel Fireplace Materials • New & Used Brick • Pavers

9108 W. 57th Merriam, KS 66203 (1 blk E. of Merriam Dr.) Hrs: Mon.–Fri. 7am–4:30pm • Sat. 8am–12pm 913-432-8092

Missouri Wildflowers

Nursery

9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109 www.mowildflowers.net mowldflrs@socket.net 573-496-3492

Meet us at one more location this fall in the KC area. Give us your order by Tuesday before the sale, or shop from our selection at the sale.

Shawnee Indian Mission October 9, 10 am - 5 pm. 3403 West 53rd St, Fairway KS 66205 Shawnee Indian Mission Fall Native Plant Sale. Pre order or pick from our selection at the sale. Info: shawneeindianmission.org.

The Nursery Is Open at:

9814 Pleasant Hill RD, Jefferson City MO 65109. Weekdays Year-Round: 9 am - 5 pm, Fall Weekends: August 28 - October 10, Saturdays: 9 am - 5 pm, Sundays Noon - 5 pm

Are You Seasonally Savvy?

Aquatic Plants & Fish Available!

As the seasons change so does the ambiance of your water feature. Whether it is colorful blooms in the summer or breathtaking ice sculptures in the winter, with a FOUR seasons water feature you can enjoy paradise 365 days of the year! After 27 years of being dedicated to transforming boring backyards into a one of a kind magical experience we have learned what makes a water garden paradise no matter the season. Let us create the backyard of your dreams this year!

We back our water garden installations with a 5 year leak free guarantee!

913-837-3510 4385 W 247th St. Louisburg, KS Closed Mondays Open Tues-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-4 www.swanswatergardens.com It’s all about adjusting your bird feeding program to match the needs of the birds through changing seasons.

For example, it’s migration time, so add some running water and maybe a little Bark Butter® smeared on a tree to attract numerous migrating song birds, including warblers and thrushes. You can also add a little millet to your bird food menu to attract juncos and other cool sparrows like the White-throated, White-crowned, Fox and the American Tree Sparrow.

11711 Roe Avenue (NE corner 119th and Roe) • 913-491-4887 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-4pm

www.wbu.com/kansascity Follow us at www.facebook.com/wbuleawoodks

This article is from: