PRESERVING BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER: Broccoli and cauliflower are members of a diverse group of vegetables commonly called cruciferous, for the Latin Cruciferae meaning “cross-bearing”, because the four petals resemble a cross. They are high in vitamins and minerals such as folate and vitamin K. They are also high in fiber and, depending on how they are prepared, are low in calories.
In Pennsylvania, both vegetables can be harvested into late October/November.
When it comes to preserving these vegetables, the choices are more limited. Freezing is probably the easiest and most popular method.
FREEZING: Remember, blanching destroys enzymes that continue the ripening process and helps to set the color, texture of the vegetable, and retain nutrients; one rule of thumb is about 1 pound of vegetable to 1 gallon of water. The water should return to a full boil in about 1 minute after the vegetables are immersed; and Start timing when water returns to a full boil and when done immediately immerse in ice water to stop the heating process.
Packaging: Package in freezer containers or bags, removing air. No headspace is needed. Label and date. Tray pack by patting florets dry with a paper towel, place on a tray in a single layer, place tray in the freezer for approximately 1 to 2 hours until frozen. Quickly remove the individually frozen florets and place in a freezer container or bag removing air. No headspace is needed. Label and date.
CANNING: As a low acid food these vegetables would need to be pressure canned and there are no scientifically tested recipes for canning broccoli or cauliflower as a plain vegetable.
While there are no tested recipes for canning pickled broccoli, you can pickle cauliflower and can it. The addition of acid and the correct proportion of ingredients creates a high acid product that can be water bath or atmospheric steam canned.
DRYING: The National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend drying broccoli and lists cauliflower as being of poor suitability for drying.
Penn State Extension has additional information on how to preserve cauliflower and broccoli, including recipes.
September 16, 2020 at 07:00PM
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