Cauliflowers on the rise...
The price of Cauliflowers is on the rise; the Cauliflower is always available all year around, but the prices do rise and fall throughout the season. Packed full of vitamins and minerals, the Cauliflower is a good staple vegetable for a variety of dishes. Regardless of whether you believe the history of the Cauliflower originating from Cyprus or the Arab world, the Cauliflower has been on our menus in the UK since the dark ages. The larger the Cauliflower, the more flavour is holds, but at this time of the year, the price of the Cauliflower is a lot higher, and is set to rise.
The Cauliflowers texture and flavour lends itself to being able to handle more robust flavours such as Cumin, Turmeric, Chilli and Ginger although its most infamous pairing is definitely with Cheese. For something a little bit different, try with Mustard, Lemon and Green Beans.
Of course, if the price of cauliflower is putting you off ordering it at the moment, we recommend switching the cauliflower for Calabrese, Courgette or Leeks.
We are right in the middle of the Courgette season at the moment, meaning that the prices are keen and the quality good. The Courgette is part of the same family as Cucumbers, Melons and Squashes. Similar to Cauliflower, in as much as it can take on deep flavours and lend itself to a number of different dishes, the Courgette is best picked when it is small. Try using Courgette in side dishes, pasta dishes or salads as a great alternative to Cauliflower. Courgettes can be used in place of less healthy ingredients to make dishes for the health conscious.
Calabrese are also a good price at the moment and can be used in place of the more expensive Cauliflower. Calabrese can take on similar flavours to Cauliflower, and can be cooked in a variety of different ways or even eaten raw. A great vegetable for all diets, Calabrese pairs well with sage, chives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic and nutmeg. Brilliant in pasta dishes, and in place of some carbohydrates, Calabrese can withstand many different ways of cooking, from steamed to creamy and cheesy.
Leeks are currently in season and a good price. They can be used in place of onions in some recipes and lend themselves well to flavours such as mustard, parsley, dill, bay leaves, thyme, paprika and celery salt.
