Week 9 of Healthy Food: Cauliflower

This week we're featuring cauliflower for your health. It's high in Vitamin C, is a good antioxidant, and contains other carotenoids like beta-carotene that help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Rich in Vitamin K, cauliflower has been shown to reduce inflammation, and the dietary fiber found in this vegetable helps regulate the digestive system. If you're into Weight Watchers, you've found a zero points food! It's so low in calories that you can eat all you want, and you don't even have to count cauliflower!
Of course, cauliflower can be eaten raw, but there are various ways to cook it as well. Many people boil or steam the cauliflower, but overcooking it causes it to become mushy and a bit smelly. It seems to work better and bring out the nutrients a bit more if you saute' or microwave the cauliflower just until it's tender. Recently I found a terrific way to prepare cauliflower: Make Cauliflower Poppers! Just mix small pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake about an hour until the pieces are nicely browned. Even the kids will love this snack or side dish. You can experiment with the seasonings by trying chili powder, cumin, or a little garlic powder. You're sure to find a flavor that suits you...And this time it's ok to eat the whole batch!
To share our Healthy Food of the Week, pop right over to Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market to pick up your free cauliflower with your $15 purchase (2/28/12–3/2/12).