Brought from the Mediterranean, cauliflower is firmly rooted now on the tables of Russian residents. And not without reason: it is not only rich in vitamins and minerals, but also allows you to diversify the menu with a fairly large number of recipes.
Mistresses around the world have taken this vegetable into service as side dishes, appetizers, and an ingredient for main dishes. Quite simple to prepare, it will allow you to cope with it to a cook of any skill level.
For a long time, the question remained open whether raw cauliflower can be eaten. If so, which populations should be careful with her? And what properties does it have for the body? It is worthwhile to understand everything thoroughly.
"Cabbage with higher education"
Mark Twain was right, dubbing this type of cabbage that way. The vegetable is so rich in nutrients that it becomes just an “excellent student” compared to other varieties of culture.
Cauliflower gained its name not because of the bright colors, but because of the structure of the head used in food. It consists of individual inflorescences resembling outwardly flowers. Hence the name.
In Russia, it began to be used as food during the time of Catherine II. Now the main suppliers of this vegetable are the USA, France, Asian countries.
Nutrition Facts of Cauliflower
Such cabbage is the richest source of many useful minerals and trace elements. The amount of vitamin C in it is able to compete with its content in lemons, and the presence of vegetable protein only confirms the uniqueness of this product.
In addition, cauliflower contains vitamins of groups B, A, PP, K, H, starch, organic acids, natural sugar.
Fiber in its composition contributes to the work of the intestine and improves metabolism, which has a beneficial effect on the figure. In combination with a protein that is involved in muscle growth, cauliflower is indispensable for people who are struggling with excess weight. With all this, the calorie content of the product is very low.
Cauliflower is a source of Omega-3, polyunsaturated acids, which help to remove "bad" cholesterol and support the work of the cardiovascular system.
Is it possible to eat cauliflower raw?
Studies show that during heat treatment, most products lose their beneficial properties. The same thing happens with cauliflower. When cooking, it loses many vitamins. So is it possible to eat cauliflower raw? The advice of doctors allows us to conclude that it is possible. This variety, among other things, is even more easily absorbed than the white one, which is used to eating in its raw form.
Of course, like any food product, not everyone can consume it. People who are prone to certain diseases should first consult a doctor before preparing cauliflower dishes!
Who needs to use cauliflower?
The record content of cauliflower biotin substance makes this product simply necessary for those who suffer from skin and hair diseases, in particular seborrhea.
Those who suffer from liver diseases are also advised to use cauliflower, as it stimulates the outflow of bile and regular bowel movement. There is no longer any doubt as to whether raw cauliflower can be eaten.
This vegetable is used for gastritis, bronchitis, to eliminate toxins and even to prevent the development of cancer.
Many mothers who ask a pediatrician if they can eat cauliflower for raw children also get an affirmative answer. Moreover, it is often used as complementary foods for the smallest. Besides the fact that it is very useful, it also gently helps the work of the stomach and intestines, without provoking bloating, as happens when eating white.
Can I eat cauliflower for a raw pregnant woman? Not only possible, but necessary. Is it worth re-listing the set of useful substances that a future mother and her baby can get with this product? Among other things, the frequent use of this type of cabbage will also help prevent weight gain during pregnancy and lose weight after delivery.
Who should not eat raw cauliflower?
Experts negatively answer the question of whether it is possible to eat raw cauliflower for people suffering from some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (enterocolitis, high acidity), as well as those who have had surgery in the abdomen and chest.
Patients with gout, people with impaired kidney function, hypertension should also be attentive to this product, as it is able to increase the level of uric acid, which leads to an aggravation of the condition.
People with any food allergies should also consult a doctor and find out if they can eat raw cauliflower.
Particular attention should be paid to the use of vegetables for people suffering from hypothyroidism.
How to choose fresh cauliflower?
Cauliflower should be a pale cream shade, without various spots and grayness. Leaves - not sluggish, green.
You can buy it both in the supermarket and in the markets. Only in the second case should you be more attentive to the integrity of the head. If it is damaged, it is better not to take it, since its shelf life is significantly reduced. At home, the whole head is stored for up to a week. It is better to keep it in the refrigerator in a paper bag.
Fresh Cauliflower Recipe Options
For those who doubted whether it is possible to eat raw cauliflower, here are some recipes for making salads.
- Cauliflower salad with banana. For cooking it is necessary: for 100 g of cabbage, half a banana, half a lemon, raisins, cream. Cut cabbage into small pieces and mix with banana slices. For the sauce, beat the cream well and combine with the raisins and lemon juice. Season the salad with the mixture.
- Fresh salad. Ingredients: cauliflower, medium onion, cucumber, dill, yogurt, sour cream, soy sauce. Washed and dried cabbage cut into small pieces. Add to it dill, onion and cucumber, finely chopped. Season the resulting salad with a mixture of yogurt, sour cream, soy sauce. Add boiled chopped chicken if desired.
- Spicy salad. The composition includes: cauliflower, ham, cucumber, green peas, vegetable oil, salt. Cabbage, ham and cucumber need to be cut into small pieces, add salt, add vegetable oil (which will be to your taste).
The question of whether it is possible to eat raw cauliflower is not for those to whom it is not contraindicated at all. This vegetable can really be considered one of the most valuable and beneficial for the human body.
Bon Appetit!