Purple cauliflower?

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Debbie S. [dlsherman422] Saturday, July 16, 2005 1:03

PM [Raw Food] purple cauliflower?

 

does anyone know if it grows like that, or if it's

done with food color - i should have asked - didn't.

? i did buy (at a farmers' market) and steam a small

head of it - tastes like the white.... and the

steaming water was purple when it was done....

_____

Hi Debbie and all,

 

This question uncovers an answer that is a bit more complex than one might

anticipate. First, we need some information about how " white " cauliflower is

grown. Green is actually the natural color of " white " cauliflower, and green

cauliflower is not very tasty. In other words, few people would ever choose

this particular member of the cabbage family, if it were left to its own

natural growing process.

 

So growers " blanch " the growing plant. When the head begins to form (shows 2

to 3 inches of white curd at the growing point), it is ready to blanch. They

tie the outer leaves together over the center of the plant to " protect " the

head from sunburn and to keep it from turning green and developing an

off-flavor.

 

There is a variety called Self-Blanche, named for its natural tendency to

curl its leaves over its head. Several other varieties possess this trait,

especially when maturing in the fall.

 

So white cauliflower is a myth, pure and simple. Now, about the purple

stuff....

 

Purple cauliflower is actually a type of broccoli that is purple. It

resembles cauliflower in overall appearance and does not require blanching.

The purple head turns green when cooked.

 

AND ...

 

There is also a hybrid called Violet Queen, which is said to " need no

blanching. " This variety turns green when cooked

 

So there you have it. When we write in suggesting that fruits and greens are

the foods for which our systems are best designed, we're not kidding!! :)

 

Best to all,

Elchanan