Are you wondering whether cauliflower is albino broccoli ? They are both of the same species: brassica.
Cauliflower and broccoli are, in other terms, immature flowers of cabbage.
Though immature, they are nutritious and have their uniqueness.
It is this uniqueness that makes most people confused about whether they are the same or not. The facts about the two will be discussed in this article.
Is cauliflower white broccoli?
Cauliflowers are not white broccoli. They both appear to have bunched florets growing from the center point.
The difference is the fact that broccoli has spread out florets while those of cauliflower are closely bunched.
Not only that but they have slightly different nutritional profiles. Both cauliflower and broccoli are derived from the ancient cabbage, but from different parts.
The similarity in the appearance of cauliflower and broccoli classifies them in one species, but their unique colors, groups, and structure create the difference.
Read Also:Should Cauliflower Be Refrigerated ?
What is albino broccoli?
Albino broccoli doesn’t actually exist, it was more like a joke for some people on popular social media that says “What if Cauliflower is just albino broccoli?”. There are even shirts and hoodies with this line on them so I guess the joke got a bit of traction.
Broccoli can be white-ish only when is growing from the flower, it can’t be white when it’s mature.
Differences between cauliflower and broccoli
There are several features or elements contained in cauliflowers and not in broccoli. Similarly, some can be found in broccoli but be missing in cauliflowers. These differences clarify the point that cauliflowers are not just white broccoli.
1. The structure of the florets
When keen enough, you will come to realize that though cauliflower and broccoli look alike, they have a visible structural difference.
You can easily see between the stalks of broccoli but not the solid mass of cauliflower.
The florets of cauliflower are bunched together while those of broccoli are spread. This is just some feature that is visible and therefore confirming cauliflowers not to be just white broccoli.
2. They both have different varieties
Cauliflower is categorized into four major types. They include northern European annuals, Italian, northwest European biennials and the Asian cauliflower.
Broccoli is categorized as Calabrese and sprouting broccoli. The Calabrese is the most common broccoli while the sprouting broccoli is rare. Within the categories, there are a number of varieties and colors.
3. Difference in color, with some similarities
Cauliflower is usually white, and broccoli is green, but there are mutations.
Very rarely, you may find white broccoli. The florets are further apart than cauliflower, and smaller.
At times you may find purple broccoli, which is a very cold-resistant version. Like purple asparagus, the color comes from a natural mutation but the inside of the vegetable is still green.
As for cauliflower, you may find it a vibrant purple, or a yellow-orange that’s sure to catch your eye.
4. Slightly different nutritional benefits
Both broccoli and cauliflower have huge nutritious benefits.
Both are rich in vitamin C and fibres, which are common nutrients in basically all vegetables.
The difference is that broccoli contains vitamin A which is not found in cauliflower, while cauliflower contain less calories compared to broccoli.
You can also notice a difference in flavor. Broccoli tends to be easier on the palate than cauliflower, and cauliflower tends to be easier to stomach than Brussel sprouts.
This all stems from the fact that both broccoli and cauliflower are cruciferous vegetables, derived from cabbage heads.
Now, we’ve all heard of broccoli and how amazing it is for our bodies. From antioxidants to low calories to great flavor (some say), broccoli seems to be king.
But maybe we should take a look at cauliflower as well, give it some love an appreciation. There’s definitely some benefits to introducing more cauliflower into our diets, let’s take a look.
Benefits of using cauliflower
The following are some of the health benefits that you will get when you use cauliflowers in your diet. Although these white florets may have a strong taste, you can easily get around it with some spices and garlic.
- Boosts digestion: Cauliflower is rich in fibre and water, which are essential in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Cauliflowers help in preventing constipation and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
- Boosts memory: Cauliflower contain choline, a vitamin-like substance that is essential in boosting memory and learning. Choline aids the transmission of nerve impulses, maintain the structure of cellular membranes and enhances the absorption of fat.
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems: The large amounts of fibre in cauliflower help reduce heart-related health risks.
- Reduces inflammation: the bioactive compounds found in cauliflower are known to reduce inflammation.
- Detoxifies the body: Natural compounds found in cauliflower help in deactivating the potentially damaging chemicals within the body, thus detoxifying it.
Okay, so we’ve got all these benefits. How do we get them ? Here’s a few ways of actually putting cauliflower on the table. Most of these are going to be easy, since we don’t want healthy eating to be a chore.
Ways of incorporating cauliflower into your diet
Here are some of the best cooking tips to incorporate cauliflowers in your diet, and enjoy its sweet taste and health benefits.
- Rice it – cut it up and either bake or boil it lightly. The tiny flowers will turn into something resembling grains or rice, hence cauliflower rice.
- Roast – you can roast a whole cauliflower if you like, or cut it in half. Season and dress it as you would any roast meat.
- Mash – just like mashing potatoes. It’s easier to get a smooth consistency if you use a blender for this, but it’s not mandatory.
- Add to salads – you can add cauliflower raw (cut of the florets) or blanched, it’ll give a nice crunch.
- Blitz it to a soup – got picky kids ? Cream some cauliflower in a soup and they won’t even notice.
You can also buy premade cauliflower meals if you have not enough time to prepare one at home.
If you still have problems differentiating between cauliflower and broccoli, you can as well try to use broccoflower, which is a hybrid that combines the two vegetables. You may also find it by the name Romanesco.
Read Also:Cauliflower Substitute
Conclusion
While cauliflower and broccoli definitely aren’t the same food item, they are pretty similar. In the end it’s up to your personal preference which you’d like to use in a recipe as they will behave mostly the same.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try a combination cream soup of both broccoli and cauliflower.
