Cauliflower is a versatile and delicious winter vegetable, but many people make storage mistakes that cause it to spoil quickly – an expert has shared how to keep it fresh
The humble cauliflower, a winter favourite perfect for roasting alongside a hearty Sunday roast or whipping up into a fragrant curry, could be going off quicker than you think due to common storage blunders. Many of us are guilty of prematurely spoiling this tasty and nutritious veg without even realising it.
But storage maestro Vlatka Lake from Space Station has come to the rescue with top tips that promise to keep your cauliflower in tip-top condition for as long as 10 days. These clever hacks will help you savour every last floret of this versatile vegetable, reports the Express.
One of the essential hacks to prolonging your cauliflower’s shelf life is keeping it whole. Vlatka elaborated, saying: “If you are buying a full head and plan to separate out the florets, you should only do so immediately prior to consuming, as cauliflower is best preserved when stored fully intact.”
She warned that cutting up the cauliflower too soon means exposing the florets to air and moisture, sending them down a fast track to spoilage.
Another slip-up many make is giving their cauliflower a good wash before shelving it. Though it might seem like the right move, introducing extra dampness can actually hasten its decline.
In a handy piece of advice, Vlatka cautions: “It’s important that you don’t wash your cauliflower before stowing it away. As tempting as it may be to give it a quick rinse after purchase, this may actually speed up the process of decay, as excess moisture leads to the growth of unwelcome mould. Instead, pat it dry and only thoroughly wash it once you come to prep it, ready to eat.”
To extend the shelf life of your cauliflower, it’s essential to control moisture levels and prevent mould growth.
When buying pre-wrapped cauliflower, remove the original packaging and transfer it to a breathable bag.
Vlatka advises: “Select a sturdy and sealable plastic bag, before piercing a few holes in it. This will not only allow your cauliflower room to breathe but will also help prevent any build-up of excess moisture.”
For added protection, line the bag with dry paper towels or kitchen roll to absorb any condensation.
When storing a whole head, place it with the stem facing upwards to maintain freshness by keeping the vegetable dry and allowing it to “breathe”.
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your cauliflower, reduce waste, and keep it fresh for up to 10 days, making it perfect for your next culinary creation.