My friend told me about substituting rice with cauliflowers for her diet. Somehow, I got interested and was disappointed to realize that cauliflower rice or couscous is too costly to substitute anything for regular meals. But I’d like to know if cauliflowers can freeze well. I’d like to have them longer in the kitchen for my recipes.
Cauliflower is a great vegetable to have in your fridge. It can be eaten raw, boiled, sauteed, steamed, and even microwaved! But what about freezing cauliflower? Cauliflowers are expensive when they are not in season. With freezer storage, stocking up as the prices fall may provide you with a steady supply for several months.
Compared to other storage types, studies show that the color, flavor, and texture of the stalks and curds of cauliflowers are kept better in freezing conditions. The maximum freezer storage should be 90 days at a stable temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. Cauliflowers must be contained in airtight freezer bags. No need to blanch.
Can You Freeze Cauliflower
The key to successfully freezing any food with high water content such as vegetables is to store them in polythene bags or vapor-proof containers.
Do not wrap any vegetable with cling wrap films as it will lead to faster spoilage by accumulating excessive moisture during the freezing process.
Release any air by applying pressure to the bag. Better yet, use a vacuum sealer to draw out all air and prevent moisture buildup or crystallization.
Cauliflowers freeze beautifully. For a maximum of 3 months, the curds may remain white and firm while the stalks stay green and attached to the curds.
It is easy to tell if cauliflowers have gone bad. If the curds fall apart or there is a reduction in weight and changes in color, then the cauliflowers are no good at all.
You can use the frozen cauliflowers directly in any cooked recipe. For other purposes, you may thaw them by stir-frying or by reheating them in the microwave.
How to Freeze Cauliflower
Cauliflowers freeze best when they are raw and at their freshest peak. Make sure that they are frozen under the right conditions with the following storage guidelines:
- Choose to freeze the ones that are tight, dense, and white on the heads
- Rinse off any dirt under running water
- In a bowl, prepare a salt solution of 1 tbs. for every cup of water
- Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch sizes and soak them in the salt solution to remove insects
- Wash away any remaining salt under cool, running water
- Allow them to dry completely over a paper towel
- Spread the pieces on a tray or pan in a single layer and freeze for up to 3 hours until solid
- Once frozen, put them piece by piece into heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers
- Label the bags or containers with the date the cauliflowers are frozen, seal them tight and freeze
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cauliflower?
Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra cauliflower? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cauliflower:
- Make roasted cauliflower – Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and easy way to use up your leftover cauliflower. Just add some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Make mashed cauliflower – Mashed cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Just add some boiled cauliflower to a blender or food processor with some milk, butter, and spices, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy dish in no time.
- Make a cauliflower pizza crust – Cauliflower pizza crust is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza crust. Just add some shredded cauliflower, eggs, and cheese to a food processor, and pulse until the mixture forms a dough. Then, press into a pizza pan and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Make cauliflower rice – Cauliflower rice is a great way to use up leftover cauliflower. Just add some grated cauliflower to a skillet with some olive oil, and cook until the cauliflower is soft. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make a cauliflower soup – Cauliflower soup is a delicious and easy way to use up your leftover cauliflower. Just add some chopped cauliflower, chicken broth, and spices to a pot, and simmer until the cauliflower is soft. Then, blend the soup until it’s smooth, and enjoy.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cauliflower. Next time you find yourself with extra vegetables, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cauliflower Recipes
This Skillet Cauliflower recipe is all cauliflower, seared a little bit on medium heat. It is sautéed with garlic and carrots, added with lemon, and seared again until crunchy enough.
Creamy Cauliflower recipe is a leafy version of potato au gratin, or perhaps more like baked Macaroni and Cheese. Cream cheese is mixed beautifully with cheddar for a cheesy cauliflower bite.
Roasted Cauliflower recipe brings out the full flavor and sweetness of caramelized cauliflowers. The heavenly taste is intensified with soy sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika and some spice.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cauliflower. The key is that cauliflowers must be contained in airtight freezer bags or containers and stored for no more than three months at a time. The best time to freeze cauliflower is when it’s fresh. Put a label with the date it was frozen on the bag/container. What’s your experience with freezing vegetables? Share below in the comments to let us know how well it worked out for you!
