Best Way to Cut Cauliflower

Overview of Best Way to Cut Cauliflower

This is the absolute easiest and best way to cut cauliflower from a full head. You’ll also see how to store it for freshness. Keep reading to see how to cut a cauliflower into florets as well. And, see more articles in our food related guides.

Easy Way to Cut Cauliflower

This is the easy way to cut cauliflower starting with the full head. It will conclude with it being divided into large sections. The next section will cover an easy way to cut it down further into small florets.

How to Cut Cauliflower Step-by-Step

• Trim off bad areas and rinse cauliflower and knife.
• Position knife close to core stem end of cauliflower.
• Cut off just some of the outer leafage of cauliflower to gain better access to the core stem.

• Repeat all around to trim off all excess of cauliflower.
• Go around again to cut deeper trimming of cauliflower core stem.
• Final deep cut into stem’s edges of cauliflower.

• Twist to pull out core stem of cauliflower
• Center stem is removed of cauliflower and discarded.
• Rinse cauliflower and knife; cut to remove final leaves of cauliflower.

• Pull apart large sections of cauliflower.
• Cut bases of all sections of cauliflower to have large pieces.

How to Cut a Cauliflower Into Florets

We’ll now proceed with how to cut a cauliflower into florets, which are much smaller. This is just a continuation after you’ve prepped and cut the head of cauliflower into large pieces, as shown earlier. Here are these simple steps of what to do with the larger chunks.

• Use knife to cut bottom branches into smaller florets of cauliflower.
• cauliflower florets to final sizes desired. Depending on what it’s for, you might want moderate-sized chunks for a veggie dip or small, bite-sized pieces for a cauliflower broccoli salad.

How To Store Fresh Cut Cauliflower

If you have any leftovers, you’ll want to understand how to store fresh cut cauliflower. Basically, you have several options like these for storage in the fridge:

• You store the freshly cut florets in a food storage container with a lid.
• They can be tossed into a food storage bag and sealed tightly.
• The can be stored somewhat loosely, instead of securely or tightly, where some air can escape.

Storing Cauliflower Florets over 5 Days

If you want to keep them longer than about 5 days, the best way is to store them in 2 stages. Here they are:

1. For the first 2-3 days, store them loosely in a food container or food storage bag. The food storage contain will have the lid ajar. Or, if using a food storage bag, it should be left not sealed, i.e., the bag is not closed up nor tucked under. They will have a change to release any excess moisture.
2. Once they appear to have no excessive moisture, usually after 2-3 days, you can then close up the container lid or ensure the food bag is closed or twisted shut.

Tips to Cut Cauliflower

Here are a few additional tips to make cutting cauliflower a consistent, positive outcome.

• The key to making the cauliflower better prepped, is to ensuring you’re cutting deep into that center core stem. You’re intending to cut the stem out, not off.
• If you’re wanting to keep the cauliflower head whole (like for baking), use the knife tip to pierce cut down along the outer edge of the core stem and inward slightly. But, don’t cut downward more than halfway. You can do this type of piercing cutting action for about 4 different sides of the stem; it should twist out a lot easier after that.
• You don’t have to focus on removing those pesky leafy parts until after you’ve cut and twisted out the central core stem. Then, those trimmings come out a lot easier.
• Cauliflower gets a bit moldy in spots. If the area is still firm and solid, you can usually just slice off those bad areas.
• After washing my hands to begin, I do rinse the cauliflower head twice but, not in a row. I do it once right after picking it up and then again after the core’s stem been removed. It reduces the chance of cross-contamination with the knife. I also rinse off the knife during each cauliflower rinse.

Related to Cauliflower

Here are some other writings that utilize cauliflower.

• Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe
• Veggies Dip Recipe (great for cauliflower floret dipping)
• Salads category of recipes
• The Top Health Benefits of Cauliflower article by Nutritionist Kerry Torrens for BBC Good Food

Conclusion

Now that you’re empowered with some extra guidance on how to cut a cauliflower, why not try it and plan for an appetizer or salad using it? And here’s our guide for how to cut a cantaloupe. Great fruit idea. Update your grocery list now!