Cauliflower Harvest Learn More About Picking Cauliflower

Harvest cauliflower when heads are 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter but still compact and smooth. The cauliflower head is a collection of flower buds; harvest the head while it is white and before yellow buds start to open. Cauliflower loses its flavor and texture when buds loosen.

How do you know cauliflower is ready to harvest?
Will cauliflower regrow after harvest?
What does it mean to blanch cauliflower before harvesting?
What month do you harvest cauliflower?
Who should not eat cauliflower?
Why does my cauliflower has purple on it?
How much cauliflower do you get from one plant?
What can you not plant with cauliflower?
How much does a cauliflower plant produce?
Can I freeze cauliflower without blanching it?
Is blanching cauliflower necessary?
What is the best way to freeze fresh cauliflower?

How do you know cauliflower is ready to harvest?

Harvest/Storage

Plants are usually ready to harvest in about 50 to 100 days, depending on variety, or 7 to 12 days after blanching. When the heads are compact, white, and firm, then it is time to harvest them. Ideally, the heads will grow to 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Cut the heads off the plant with a large knife.

Will cauliflower regrow after harvest?

For all the work cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) demands of a gardener, it seems only fair that the harvest should last a few weeks. Unfortunately, cauliflower can be harvested only once. Once the mature head is harvested, new, edible heads do not form.

What does it mean to blanch cauliflower before harvesting?

Blanching is the simple practice of binding large outer leaves together over and around developing cauliflower heads, to prevent them from yellowing or browning and developing a bitter flavor due to an overabundance of sun exposure. Some older white varieties can even turn shades of blotchy purple.

What month do you harvest cauliflower?

There are three types of cauliflower; summer, autumn and winter varieties. Summer varieties can be sown in the cold frame in September, indoors in January or outdoors in April and some varieties may be harvested in June or July while other outdoor sown varieties will be ready during August.

Who should not eat cauliflower?

Diabetes. Women who eat cauliflower and related vegetables don't seem to have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who don't eat these vegetables. Lung cancer. Eating larger amounts of cauliflower has been linked with a lower risk of developing lung cancer in women but not men.

Why does my cauliflower has purple on it?

The edible portion of the cauliflower plant is the round head of compact flower buds called the "curd." The purple color in cauliflower is caused by the presence of anthocyanin, which is a harmless, water-soluble pigment in the curd. Sun exposure exaggerates its effect on the developing cauliflower head.

How much cauliflower do you get from one plant?

' Unlike broccoli, however, which produces multiple side shoots, cauliflower only produces a single head which means you have one chance to get it right. The main thing to remember is that the plant thrives in temperatures around 60-65 F. (16-18 C.)

What can you not plant with cauliflower?

Besides avoiding the combination of cauliflower, onion and beans, there are other plants that are not recommended for cauliflower companion planting. Peas and cauliflower do not mix well. The peas will stunt the growth of cauliflower. Strawberries are taboo too.

How much does a cauliflower plant produce?

Cauliflower. Grow 1 to 2 plants per person. Yield 8 to 10 pounds per 10-foot row.

Can I freeze cauliflower without blanching it?

When properly prepared and stored (that is, blanched before freezing), cauliflower can keep in the freezer for up to 12 months without a change in taste or texture. When you're ready to cook with it, skip the thawing and toss it right into your recipe.

Is blanching cauliflower necessary?

Does cauliflower have to be blanched? Technically, no. Blanching has nothing to do with head development or nutritional content. However, if you don't, the curds will be greenish brown rather than white and the flavor will be stronger, almost bitter.

What is the best way to freeze fresh cauliflower?

How to Freeze Cauliflower

Step 1: Cut and wash. Chop up your fresh cauliflower into nice bite-size bits, sectioning off florets from the stem with a sharp knife. ...
Step 2: Blanch. ...
Step 3: Individually freeze the florets. ...
Step 4: Freeze (again!)