How to properly freeze cauliflower in the freezer

Cauliflower is a vegetable that is easily digested, contains a large amount of vitamins and nutrients, and is essential for a healthy diet. It is beneficial for both adults and children.

It can be used as a standalone dish or as a side dish. Proper freezing of cauliflower in the freezer will preserve all its beneficial properties.

What is useful?

Cauliflower improves digestion. This is why it's a popular choice for children. It's rich in fiber, which, unlike white cabbage, doesn't irritate the stomach and is easily digested. This makes cauliflower a good choice for those with sensitive digestion. It's also beneficial for intestinal flora, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Thus, cauliflower is a light and balanced food for the stomach.

The benefits for the heart and blood vessels are also invaluable, as it prevents the increase of harmful cholesterol in the body, helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and improves blood circulation.

This vegetable is also beneficial for women, especially expectant mothers. It contains a large amount of folate, which promotes both the proper development of the fetus and supports the body of the pregnant woman. The vitamins contained in the inflorescences help maintain skin elasticity and promote skin cell regeneration.

Cauliflower is a well-known dietary food. It can be included in a weight-loss menu, and it's incredibly filling.

How to choose the right vegetable

To choose a good cabbage, pay attention to the condition of the head: it should be heavy and dense, with the leaves tightly clinging to the head. If the leaves are yellowed, it's best not to buy the vegetable, as it's been stored for a long time.

The inflorescences should be clean, free of black spots and plaque. The color should be uniform—white, green, or purple, depending on the variety. Brown spots indicate spoilage.

Fresh cauliflower has a shelf life of about a week, and should be stored in the refrigerator. It can be frozen for the winter, preserving all its nutritional properties.

Which cabbage is suitable for winter freezing?

Select only the freshest heads of cabbage—it's best not to freeze wilted heads. Young heads with small, white florets are best for preserving. It's best not to freeze cabbage that's been refrigerated for some time.

How to freeze properly

For freezing, you can use plastic containers. Resealable vacuum bags are also convenient. There are two ways to freeze cauliflower: fresh or blanched. In both cases, it should be cleaned first (cut off all green parts) and rinsed thoroughly under running water. If any signs of rot are found on the florets, be sure to remove them with a knife.

Since cauliflower may harbor insects, they should be removed. To do this, fill a deep container with warm salted water (regular table salt is fine) and immerse the head of cauliflower for 20 minutes. During this time, any insects hiding in the florets will leave.

Once the cabbage is prepared, it can be frozen.

1. Separate the prepared head of cabbage into florets and place them in individual containers. Each container should contain the amount of florets you'll use for one cooking session. Place in the freezer.
2. The second method involves heat treatment. To do this, first place the prepared cauliflower in boiling water and blanch it for a few minutes (2-3 minutes). Then, while still hot, transfer it to ice water. This "shock" treatment ensures that the cauliflower retains all its beneficial vitamins, despite being boiled. After cooling, drain off any excess moisture and place it in the freezer.

Frozen inflorescences can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Conclusion

Cauliflower is an easily digestible dietary vegetable, beneficial for both adults and children. It can even be used as a weaning food for infants. Choose only fresh, clean heads for winter storage.