Cauliflower

Description

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is a vegetable belonging to the species Brassica oleracea in the family Brassicaceae (the mustard or cabbage family). It is one of several cultivated forms of the species along with cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, and others. The edible portion of the plant is its dense head of undeveloped flower buds known as the “curd”. The head is usually white but may also be green, orange, or purple. Several cultivars exist, including the Romanesco variety, whose spiral curds grow in fractal patterns.

Cauliflower was domesticated in the Mediterranean region during antiquity, most likely by selective breeding of wild cabbage. It is grown worldwide as a cool-season crop and is widely used in cooking, where it may be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or incorporated into other dishes. World cauliflower production (combined with broccoli) in 2024 was 27 million tonnes, led by China and India with 73% of the total.