Cauliflower spread in Italy as early as the 16th century. It is an annual vegetable crop that is especially popular in Europe. In comparison with ordinary, white cabbage, it has many advantages, due to its special chemical composition and the presence of valuable amino acids, as well as a number of vitamins necessary for the body. Cauliflower is good both fresh (for frying, stewing) and as a pickled or salted product.
Instructions
Step 1
Fully ripe cauliflower heads can be stored for up to 3 months at a temperature of about 0 degrees C and a relative humidity in the range of 90-95%. Fall cauliflower keeps better than summer crops. And this circumstance must be taken into account when preparing a product for a long time. Cauliflower leaves are usually trimmed slightly in preparation for storage. But it is not forbidden to store cabbage with leaves.
Step 2
The most acceptable way to store cauliflower is in thin plastic bags. Each bag contains one head, less often two. The bags are tied and placed in wooden boxes. For this purpose, you can also use thick cling film, but at the same time, several small holes must be cut in it in order to ensure full ventilation inside the package.
Step 3
Sometimes cauliflower is stored by hanging it upside down in a well-ventilated area. Some gardeners use the autumn installation method in greenhouses when storing cauliflower. This method helps to significantly increase the shelf life of cabbage. To do this, take the plants along with the roots, lift the leaves up and set them close to each other. After that, the rhizomes are sprinkled with sand and watered with plenty of water. For this storage method, cauliflower is dug up late in the fall, but before the first frost occurs. The strongest and densest fruits are selected for storage, with a diameter of about 15 centimeters. The temperature in the greenhouse is maintained from +2 to +4 degrees, and the air humidity is 85-90%.
Step 4
Of course, storing cauliflower is more difficult than ordinary cabbage, because if stored improperly, its heads can turn black and lose their appearance almost immediately. Therefore, compliance with all of the above simple rules will allow you to enjoy the taste of this wonderful and healthy product until late autumn and even winter.
