Do I have to blanch cauliflower before freezing it?

It is advised to steam or blanch raw cauliflower before freezing to reduce the chance of growing bacteria in the freezer .

How long does frozen cauliflower last?

Frozen cauliflower that has been properly prepared can last up to about 4 months in the freezer. Discard your frozen cauliflower if it develops too much freezer burn or if it look or smells rancid.

Can I freeze other vegetables this way?

Yes! Most vegetables should be steamed or blanched before freezing.

Can I freeze a whole cauliflower?

It's best to break up the cauliflower into florets, blanch the florets, and then freeze the blanched cauliflower florets. Do not just throw a whole cauliflower in the freezer.

How to Freeze Cauliflower

Ingredients

Scale

1 head of cauliflower
ice and water (to make an ice bath)

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Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Use a sharp knife to cut the head of cauliflower in half.
Then, use your hands to break up the cauliflower into florets. Place the florets in a colander to give them a quick rinse.
Then, place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket. Steam for 5 minutes. Or, if you prefer to use the microwave, place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in the plastic. Microwave for 3 minutes. You can also make Instant Pot Steamed Cauliflower to prepare it for freezing.
Transfer the steamed cauliflower to an ice bath. Leave the florets in the ice bath for 2 minutes.
Then, use tongs to transfer the steamed cauliflower florets to the baking sheet. Spread the florets out so they are not touching each other.
Freeze the baking sheet for 5-6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Then, remove the baking sheet from the freezer and transfer the frozen florets to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 4 months.

Notes

An added benefit of steaming the cauliflower before freezing it and then using it in a smoothie is that it will be easier to digest and is less likely to make you feel bloated.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Side dish
Method: Freezer
Cuisine: Healthy
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 37
Sugar: 2.8 g
Sodium: 44.1 mg
Fat: 0.4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 7.3 g
Fiber: 2.9 g
Protein: 2.8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg