Cauliflower is a member of the brassica family, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. The cauliflower head, or “curd,” is actually an undeveloped flower. The curd is surrounded by green leaves, which help protect it from the sun. When choosing a cauliflower head, look for one that is heavy for its size and firm to the touch. The curd should be white or creamy in color, with no brown spots. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked. When cooking, it is important not to overcook the cauliflower as it can become mushy. Cauliflower can be steamed, boiled, roasted or baked.Cauliflower cooking
How long it takes to cook cauliflower depends on the size and type of cauliflower. The general rule of thumb is that smaller florets take less time to cook than larger ones, and white cauliflower takes less time to cook than green or purple cauliflower.
To get an idea of how long it will take to cook your cauliflower, cut it into small bite-sized pieces and start with about 7 minutes in a boiling pan of water. You can test for doneness by poking a piece with a fork – if it’s soft, the cauliflower is cooked. If the cauliflower is still tough, let it cook for a few more minutes.