How to store cauliflower?

Do you want to find out how to store cauliflower? You came to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks on how to store cauliflower properly to ensure it lasts for a longer time. 

Do you guys like cauliflower? I sure do. This beautiful vegetable is so versatile, easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious. I always have a head of cauliflower in the fridge ready to be cooked. But how do you keep cauliflower fresh?

How to choose cauliflower?

The shelf life of cauliflower will vary depending on how it’s stored, but also on the amount of time that has passed since it was harvested. So the most important advice is to purchase fresh cauliflower heads.

When shopping for a head of cauliflower, look for a creamy white color with no dark or soft spots. If you notice black spots or an unpleasant smell, it’s best to pass on that head of cauliflower. Choose the most beautiful, freshest vegetable you can find. 

Where to buy cauliflower?

You can find cauliflower in every supermarket or grocery store in the vegetable aisle. However, I would recommend buying cauliflower at the farmer’s market or your local fresh food store because cauliflower tastes the best when it is fresh.

How to store cauliflower?

You found a beautiful head of cauliflower, now what? When storing cauliflower, it’s important to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or low temperatures, as they can cause oxidative brown spots and decay of the vegetable. Avoid storing cauliflower in the original plastic wrapping as it can trap excess moisture and lead to a slimy texture.

If you plan to use it within a couple of days, keeping it at room temperature is the best option. Store it in a cool and dry place with good air circulation to avoid any decay. 

Do not wash your cauliflower before storing it.

Store it unwashed. While of course you always should properly wash your veggies before preparing them, wash cauliflower only BEFORE you are about to use it.

How long does cauliflower last in the fridge?

If you are not planning on preparing the cauliflower in the next two days,  refrigerate it. If you have a crisper drawer in your fridge, that’s a great place to store the whole fresh cauliflower head. But if you don’t, that’s ok, you can store it in shallow airtight containers.

If you want to store precut florets, you can place them in an open plastic bag or wrap them in damp paper towels. Keep in mind that the shelf life of cauliflower in the fridge is usually around 5 days.

How to freeze cauliflower?

Yes, you can freeze cauliflower. In fact, frozen cauliflower has a longer shelf life and can last for up to 8 months. The best way to freeze cauliflower is to cut it into florets and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When using frozen cauliflower, thaw it in the fridge before cooking to avoid any risk of food poisoning.

You can also make cauliflower rice and freezer for later use. Cauliflower pizza crusts taste amazing!

Pickled cauliflower

Pickling cauliflower in vinegar is another great way to preserve it and add flavor. Simply cut the cauliflower into florets, boil a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices, and pour it over the cauliflower in a jar. After refrigerating for at least 24 hours, pickled cauliflower can be enjoyed as a snack or added to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

Properly pickled cauliflower can last in the fridge for several weeks, up to one month, or more.

What to cook with cauliflower?

Cauliflower has been used in many cuisines all around the world and that’s for a good reason. This nutritious and versatile vegetable can be used in a variety of ways. Cauliflower can be baked, grilled, roasted, baked, or sautéed. You can enjoy it raw or make cauliflower rice out of it. The mild flavor and texture of cauliflower make it a great substitute for potatoes, rice, and pasta in many recipes. Cauliflower is a great way to add more plants to your diet whether you are following a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet.

Here are some delicious cauliflower recipes for you to try:

What to serve with cauliflower

There are endless possibilities for what you can serve with cauliflower, but here are a couple of my favorites:

How long does cooked cauliflower last in the fridge?

Cooked cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of cauliflower. Whether you’re keeping it at room temperature or in the fridge, storing cauliflower in the right place with the right amount of air circulation and avoiding excess water will ensure that you get the best quality out of this beautiful vegetable for as long as possible.