How to make the most of cauliflower leaves (2024)

FAQs

How do I keep bugs from eating my cauliflower leaves? ›

Adults and larva eat the leaves of cauliflower. Use non-toxic safe methods for treating bugs in cauliflower to preserve the crop and retain its safety for eating. In addition to diatomaceous earth, horticultural oils and soaps and hand picking, the natural bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis is an excellent control.

Because cauliflower leaves are not only edible, they're delicious! Leaves and stems are healthy and nutritious, chocked full of fibre, calcium and vitamin C (that's the one that gives you muscles, by the way).

(Leaves): Put dry, unwashed leaves in a mesh bag, or paper towel, and then place inside a bag, or container inside your fridge crisper. They should last for a few weeks. To freeze: (Heads) Wash and cut cauliflower florets off. Be sure to freeze the cut stems as well since they are completely edible!

Health Benefits of Cauliflower Greens

Cauliflower is naturally low in calories, stimulating, and even an appetite-suppressant making them a perfect diet food. It's a source of energy and a natural boost to the body's defenses. Its fiber and potassium promote good intestinal transit and limit water retention.

Their taste is reminiscent of kale or collard greens. If you plan on cooking them, remove the outside leaves from their stalks/ribs first. Finely chop the ribs and give them a head start in the frying pan, as they're tougher than the leaves themselves.

But did you know that you can eat the whole cauliflower? Leaf and stem included. They are both incredible sources of iron and should not be discarded.

Avoid those with brown spots or loose, spread-out sections. Buy a head of cauliflower and separate it into its sections or florets. Or for convenience, purchase a tub of washed, precut florets.

The most difficult vegetables to digest are the cruciferous ones, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. The reason is that these vegetables contain a compound called raffinose.

Freezing cauliflower is a great way to avoid waste. It will also make the cooking time quicker when you come to cook it from frozen. Like most vegetables, if frozen raw, the texture, taste, colour and nutritional value deteriorates, so make sure you blanch it to preserve these elements.

The plant continues to produce small florets after the main head is chopped off. To cut these off, use a sharp knife and make a slice 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) from the top of the florets. Shoots start to grow where you made your main cut, and after 2-4 weeks you may find additional cauliflower to harvest.

Are cauliflower leaves edible for dogs? ›

Dogs can eat the cauliflower leaves, but the stalk should be removed as it is especially fibrous and can cause gastrointestinal issues when ingested. Save your pup the pain and yourself a potentially messy situation! To be on the safe side, the ASPCA recommends chopping veggies into bite-size portions for your pooch.

But you actually get more cauliflower leaves than you do florets, so I'm always looking for ways to use them. Sometimes, I strip off the green leaves from the stem and use them as I would use cabbage leaves. Then use the stem, sliced up in a stir fry, a curry, a casserole or soup, or just as a vegetable side.

Tips for Serving Cauliflower Leaves

Mix the leaves with florets or other roasted veggies as a side to your main meal. Serve under a juicy piece of meat, or fish, or (hey!) cauliflower steak. Toss immediately with herbs, nuts, and dressing for a warm salad.

You may want to remove the ribs, or at least chop the large leaves. Cauliflower and broccoli leaves can be used to flavor vegetable stock or used in soup.

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The leaves will bring a crunch to your stir fry and add a hearty element to your meal.