I want to make you (re)discover cauliflower! It's not the sexiest vegetable in the basket... even if thanks to the Top Chef show, I discovered that it came in several colors! Purple cauliflower on a plate always impresses guests.
Cauliflower appears on our market gardeners' stalls in autumn and winter. It can be eaten cooked, raw or even grilled. Low in calories, it is perfect for people who would like to lose a few pounds or stay fit in winter!
Cauliflower is from the cruciferous family. Be careful, this family of vegetables is not suitable for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. There you go, that's been said...
Cauliflower is packed with vitamins! Vitamin C (it's not just in oranges...) which boosts the immune system and helps fight against minor and major everyday ailments. A good ally in this strange pandemic period. The role that vitamin C plays in the body goes beyond its antioxidant properties. It also contributes to the health of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. In addition, it protects against infections, promotes the absorption of iron contained in plants and accelerates healing.
Cauliflower contains a large amount of B vitamins, which are essential for cardiovascular health and bones. Folate (vitamin B9), among others, is involved in the production of all cells in the body, including red blood cells. This vitamin plays an essential role in the production of genetic material (DNA, RNA), in the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system, as well as in the healing of wounds and sores.
It also contains vitamin K, which is great for bone strength.
Its lipids, composed of fatty acids, of the omega3 type, help fight against bad cholesterol and therefore preserve the arteries.
Cauliflower is also an ally of digestion because it is rich in fiber and therefore very suitable when suffering from digestion problems or chronic constipation. Fiber boosts the digestive system and accelerates intestinal transit. It contains gluocaraphanin which eliminates certain bacteria aggressive to the digestive system.
Not to mention manganese, which is involved in the synthesis of collagen. It plays an important role in the construction of bones and joints. It participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and cholesterol. In addition, its antioxidant activity allows it to protect cells against oxidative stress.
Thanks to its nutrients, cauliflower also has a preventive effect against certain cancers ! Many scientific studies have shown that regular consumption of cauliflower helps prevent bladder, breast, colon, prostate and ovarian cancer.
Last but not least… its antioxidant properties combat premature skin aging and stimulate cell renewal. Better than a first wrinkle cream!
To get the most benefits, eat it raw or lightly cooked.
So convinced? Cauliflower is the must-have in the refrigerator to help us face the winter, the cold, the lack of sun, the curfew and the children running and screaming everywhere because they can't let off steam in their judo class, suspended due to the pandemic!
To help you cook this cruciferous vegetable, here is a little recipe for cauliflower salad with Tahina. Quick and delicious, we enjoy this oriental note accompanying this vegetable from our region!
Raw Cauliflower Salad Recipe (Betty Bossi)
Sesame Sauce
5 tbsp lemon juice
4 tbsp water
5 tbsp Tahina (sesame paste)
1 clove garlic, pressed (or garlic powder)
A little pepper
Salt, to taste
-> Mix the ingredients well in a bowl
1 cauliflower (approx. 600g), thinly sliced into a rosette
1 bunch of coriander
1 bunch of parsley*
2 tbsp finely chopped mint*
3 tbsp sunflower seeds, toasted
-> Add the ingredients to the sauce
-> Mix well
-> leave to stand for 2 hours before serving
* Breastfeeding moms replace parsley with more coriander and mint with basil or shizo leaves!
Enjoy your food !
😁