How to Prevent Cauliflower From Turning Dark

There are ways to keep cauliflower fresh and prevent it from darkening and deteriorating.

Cauliflower is a nutritious, cruciferous vegetable with a light, nutty flavor. It is a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as minerals such as folate and potassium. You can cook cauliflower it in a variety of interesting ways, as a main dish or as an accompaniment. To fully enjoy the wholesome flavor of this vegetable, you must ensure that the cauliflower is clear and not dark or spotted. There are several measures that you can incorporate, right from selection to storage and cooking, to prevent the cauliflower from turning dark.

Things You'll Need

• Perforated plastic bag
• Lemon
• Vinegar
• Milk

Instructions

1. Select cauliflowers that have a compact head of creamy white florets when purchasing. Do not buy cauliflowers with blemished, browned or speckled florets. This could be a sign of insect injury, mold growth or decay. Ensure that the surrounding leaves are bright green and not wilting, and that the bottom of the cauliflower head is firm. If the bottom is soft and tender, the cauliflower is overripe and unsuitable for consumption.

2. Store the cauliflower in the refrigerator without washing or rinsing. Place the vegetable vertically in a perforated plastic bag with the stem side down. This will prevent excess moisture from accumulating within the florets and causing deterioration. Store the cauliflower for up to five days in the refrigerator, and wash it just prior to cooking.

3. Add 1 tbsp. of lemon juice or vinegar, or 1 cup milk to the cauliflower before cooking. This will maintain the original white color of the cauliflower and prevent it from darkening and getting discolored while cooking.

4. Do not cook cauliflower in aluminum or iron vessels, as the metal from the vessels react with substances in the cauliflower and darken the vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

• Cook the cauliflower quickly to retain its flavor and minimize nutrient loss. Season and roast the cauliflower in an oven that is heated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes and serve.

References

• MissouriFamilies.Org: Food Safety
• Leslie Beck, RD: Cauliflower -- September 2007's Featured Food
• World Recipe House: Kitchen Tips
• Recipe Tips.Com: All About Cauliflower
• Recipe Delights.Com: Vegetable And Fruit Tips

Resources

• Cornell.Edu; Vegetable MD Online: Black Rot Of Crucifers
• UIUC.Edu: Cauliflower