NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY
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NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY
Each year on February 17th, National Cauliflower Day celebrates one of the most versatile and nutritious vegetables in the garden. Cauliflower takes center stage in kitchens across the country, proving that with a little creativity, this cruciferous vegetable can become almost anything!
#NationalCauliflowerDay
Cauliflower is part of the Brassicaceae family, alongside cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Most of us see the white heads of the cauliflower, but it also comes in stunning shades of purple, orange, and green. In order to keep the heads of cauliflower white, farmers have to perform a process called blanching to prevent the sun from turning the vegetable yellowish-brown. Blanching is the process of tying the large leaves of cauliflower shut.
Cauliflower is a packed with nutrients, being naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins. It's also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a "go-to" substitute for many high calorie foods like breads, potatoes, and even desserts.
Cauliflower Tip: To extend the shelf-life of a head of cauliflower, store it head-side down to prevent moisture from collecting in the florets.
A Kitchen Chameleon
One of the quirkiest modern attributes of cauliflower is how neutral the flavor is. Because it has a high water content and a mild flavor profile, cauliflower can take on the flavor and texture of just about anything. You can substitute cauliflower in the place of flour, meat, and dairy, providing healthier options. Here are a few popular food items cauliflower is being used for:
Pizza Crust
Rice
Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy soups
Sauces
Cakes
Puddings
Cauliflower History
Cauliflower has ancient roots dating between 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D. Early records show it may have first appeared in present day Turkey and Greece during the 6th century B.C. By the 12th and 13th centuries, botanists in Syria and Spain documented cauliflower as a luxury vegetable. Meaning, only the higher class people were able to access and enjoy it.
Cauliflower seems to have arrived in Italy around the 15th century. It quickly became the center of cultivation. Eventually, the vegetable made its way to France and took center stage at the royal courts of King Louis XIV. Seeds eventually arrived in North America in the 1600s. However, it was discovered the vegetable was extremely hard to grow. It wasn't until the mid-1920s that cauliflower became widely available in U.S. markets.
5 NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY CELEBRATE
Today is the day to being your quest of discovery by incorporating cauliflower into your meals today!
If you usually steam your cauliflower, try roasting it with olive oil and turmeric, then toss it in a buffalo sauce for "cauliflower hot wings."
Swap out your traditional pizza crust or mashed potatoes for a cauliflower alternative. You will be pleasantly surprised at how delicious the healthy version will be!
Look for purple or orange cauliflower at your local market to add a pop of color to your dinner table.
If you’re a gardener, today is a great day to start planning your spring garden. Research the best cauliflower varieties for your climate and start your seedlings indoors!
Post a photo of your favorite cauliflower dish on social media using the hashtag #NationalCauliflowerDay.
HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY
We have been unable to find the specific creator of National Cauliflower Day. In fact, the date also remains a mystery. We suspect the day popped up in the 2010s as the "low-carb" movement became popular. While we may not know exactly who first declared this food holiday, it is clear that it was created by someone who recognized that this 'cabbage flower' deserved a standing ovation. We're certain foodies, chefs, and health enthusiasts are cheering the loudest!