Imagine this: you’ve just bought a big head of cauliflower from your local farmers’ market.
That evening in the kitchen, you get straight to prepping it. But here’s the question: Do you toss the thicket of stems and leaves enclosing the white cauliflower florets, or do you chuck them into your dinner? Throwing them away seems like such a waste, after all…
Are Cauliflower Leaves Edible?
TL;DR: Yes! Cauliflower leaves are 100% edible. You can even eat the cauliflower’s stems and stalks.
Sharing one fate with broccoli stems, cauliflower leaves are overlooked and thrown away by most home cooks. But eating them has many benefits:
- Cauliflower leaves are packed with important nutrients and healthy fibers.
- Saving them from the bin is an easy zero waste habit to reduce food waste (hello, eco-friendly kitchen!)
- They’re also delicious, when prepared correctly.
What do Cauliflower Leaves Taste Like?
Here’s what’s exciting: Depending on which parts of the cauliflower you use, you get completely different tastes.
This also applies to cauliflower leaves. The outside leaves (the large and dark green ones) are a bit rougher and slightly bitter. Their taste is reminiscent of kale or collard greens. If you plan on cooking them, remove the outside leaves from their stalks/ribs first. Finely chop the ribs and give them a head start in the frying pan, as they’re tougher than the leaves themselves.
The smaller, white inside leaves closer to the cauliflower florets are more delicate. They taste and behave like cabbage. There’s no need to remove the leaves’ ribs here, since they’re more tender than those of the rougher outside leaves.
Benefits of Eating Cauliflower Leaves
For one, not letting the cauliflower leaves go to waste is a huge benefit in and of itself. Not only do you get more bang for your buck, eating them also contributes to reducing unnecessary food waste. And it’s such an easy, no-fuss way of doing so!
But it gets better: Eating cauliflower leaves isn’t just great for the environment – it’s great for your health too!
Cooking with cauliflower leaves is a fantastic way to get your daily greens in.
Cauliflower belongs to the family of cruciferous veggies, and its leaves are packed with vitamin C, and vitamin A. They also contain high amounts of antioxidants, including sulforaphane (an extensively studied antioxidant that gives broccoli its cancer-fighting rep).
The leaves are loaded with important minerals, including calcium, potassium, folate, and iron. To top it all of, cauliflower leaves are a great source of gut-healthy dietary fiber.
Really, the question should be: “What do cauliflower leaves not contain?”
Things to Be Mindful Of
Before you rush to the store to get a cauliflower with extra leaves, one word of caution: If you don’t buy organic, your cauliflower could have been exposed to pesticides.
To be on the safe side, remove the cauliflower’s very outer leaves (these are usually rough and stringy anyways) and give the ones you plan on eating a thorough rinse.
If you’re using organic (or home-grown) cauliflower, it’s worth paying attention to any potential bugs hiding in the cracks and crevices of its leaves. Unless you want that extra punch of protein…
How to Use Cauliflower Leaves
While you can eat them raw if you prefer, the best way to prepare cauliflower leaves, stems, and stalks is to cook them.
The possibilities here are endless; Steaming, frying, roasting, boiling, and sautéeing are all fantastic methods to prepare cauliflower leaves.
Need some more inspiration? These vegan-friendly recipes incorporating cauliflower leaves have got you covered:
- Roast cauliflower leaves
- Cauliflower leaves with garlic, currants, and pine nuts
- Cauliflower leaf pesto
- Butter garlic soy sauce cauliflower leaves stir fry
- Cauliflower Bhaji/Sabji
- Cauliflower leaf saag chana
- Japanese simmered cauliflower leaves with potato
- Roasted root-to-leaf cauliflower
FAQs
Are cauliflower leaves, stalks, and stems edible?
Yes! Every part of the cauliflower is edible and perfectly safe for human consumption. But keep in mind that non-organic cauliflowers may have been exposed to pesticides.
Can you eat cauliflower leaves raw?
Cauliflower leaves can be safely eaten raw. But cooking them is an easier way to get into eating cauliflower leaves, since their tough texture can be unpleasant when eaten raw.
Are cauliflower leaves poisonous?
No, cauliflower leaves are not poisonous. In fact, they’re just as healthy as cauliflower florets and are a great way of getting your leafy greens in.
Are cauliflower leaves edible for dogs?
If you don’t enjoy eating them yourself, you can give cauliflower leaves to your dog. They’re perfectly safe to eat for both humans and dogs.
How can I use cauliflower stems and leaves?
Cauliflower leaves, stems, and stalks can be used just like you would any other leafy green. They’re great in stews, soups, salads, stir fries, and even green smoothies.
What do cauliflower greens taste like?
Cauliflower greens taste different, depending on which part you eat. The larger outer leaves usually have a tougher texture and a slightly bitter taste (similar to kale). The smaller inside leaves are tender and taste similar to cabbage.
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