The #1 Underrated Frozen Food You Should Be Buying, According to a Food Writer

The 1 Underrated Frozen Food You Should Be Buying, According to a Food Writer

Frozen Cauliflower is Budget-Friendly and Convenient

For far too long, pale foods have been demonized as not being as nutritious as their colorful peers. However, I’m here to tell you that some white or pale foods have benefits too. Enriched grains actually have about twice as much folic acid as their whole-grain peers, and the fermentation that makes sourdough bread possible is great for gut health. But the item that I grab on every single supermarket run – which I believe is seriously underrated – happens to be white, and it’s frozen cauliflower.

Ways to Use Frozen Cauliflower

Frozen cauliflower is one of the best budget buys in the entire store. A 12-ounce, four-serving bag only costs $1.59 at my local Target, and because it’s prepped and frozen, that means I’m creating less food waste. The stems and leaves have already been trimmed away, and the freezer lengthens its life span from a few weeks to many months. I can use it to bulk up my meals, steam half a bag and toss it with seasonings, or add it to soup and stir-fries. It’s also stellar as a base for "grain" bowls or to sneak into smoothies.

How to Prepare Frozen Cauliflower So It Isn’t Soggy

One of the most common complaints about frozen vegetables is that they can err on the soggy side compared to their fresh counterparts. But it is totally possible to get frozen vegetables to taste just as good as fresh. I find that steaming works just fine, and I don’t notice the difference between fresh and frozen once the cauliflower is seasoned and showered in sauce. Alternatively, you can air-fry cauliflower by tossing unthawed frozen cauliflower with olive oil and seasonings, and cooking it in an air fryer at 360°F for 18 to 22 minutes.

Frozen Cauliflower’s Health Benefits

Last but not least, I love frozen cauliflower for its health benefits. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K and other heart-healthy and chronic inflammation-reducing antioxidants. It also delivers 2 grams of plant-based protein and fiber per serving, as well as just 28 calories per cup. Research proves that there is no nutritional difference when you compare fresh and frozen vegetables, and frozen can often be more nutritious since the produce is put on ice at peak ripeness.

The Bottom Line

Frozen cauliflower is affordable and convenient to keep on hand – it’s easy to prepare and you can use it in a number of dishes. Whether you’re looking to supplement your daily vegetable servings, add some nutrients to your meals, or simply spice up your cooking routine, frozen cauliflower is a must-have. If you don’t currently have a bag of cauliflower in your freezer, I hope you’ll feel a little more convinced to snag one next time you shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is frozen cauliflower good for you?
   Yes, frozen cauliflower is a rich source of vitamins C and K, and other nutrients that can provide heart-health benefits and support chronic inflammation reduction.

2. What are some ways to cook frozen cauliflower?
   You can steam it, air-fry it, or cook it in the oven as a roasted side dish. You can also add it to soups, salads, and stir-fries, or use it as a base for "grain" bowls or smoothies.

3. Can I really get the same nutritional value from frozen cauliflower as fresh?
   Yes, research suggests that there is no significant difference in nutritional value between fresh and frozen cauliflower, and frozen can often be more nutritious since it is put on ice at peak ripeness.

4. How do I store frozen cauliflower?
   Make sure to store it in an airtight container in your freezer to maintain its texture and nutritional value. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavors from transferring, and it can last for several months if stored properly.