Biologically speaking purple graffiti cauliflower is the same plant as the ordinary cauliflower. It’s the outside florets that are colored in purple while the stems are still white like with any other cauliflower when they reach the bottom.
This variety is more of a novelty and it’s mostly used for salads and other decorative dishes. They are grown in the US but in small numbers and mostly sold to chefs and restaurants and better equipped farmers market.
Purple Graffiti Cauliflower Trivia
- The plant is purple due to the presence of antioxidant anthocyanin
- This substance is also found in wine and cabbage
- This plant can grow so fast that you can hear it
Purple Graffiti Cauliflower Buying Guide
The state and the color of florets are the best source for determining how fresh cauliflower is. You should look for the florets have a deep and rich color at the top and a creamy white color at the bottom. They should also be spaced closely together.
The leafs should also have a green and lush look. For this particular variety of the plant the leafs are particularly green and lush in their appearance.
Purple Graffiti Cauliflower Production & Farming in Texas
There’s no difference in how these plants are produced that comes from their color and they should be treated like any other kale plant. Their peak season is in winter but they can be grown all year round if other conditions are met in terms of temperature and soil quality.
They are best grown in full sunlight and the soil needs to have particular qualities as well. It needs to be sandy loam soils with lots of organic matter. They prefer soils with a pH of 6 to 6.5; yield will be reduced if the soil pH is below 6.
It’s best to have a lot of space between the plants since they will grow to the sides as well as bellow the ground and above it. It’s common to set 18 to 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows. If the plants are well fertilized they will spread quite a lot and fast.
The key to harvesting cauliflower of any kind is to cut the heads open when they are too tight. Overly mature heads will begin to open and flower and then they can’t be used.
Pesticides
Cauliflower is considered to be a one of the cleanest plants out there and as much as 50 percent of all producers don’t use pesticides on it at all. Those who do, use imidacloprid.
Geography
There are no recordings of the history of use of cauliflower before the 17th century. It was brought to England by Flemish merchants which leads us to believe it was grown in Europe far before. The plant than moved to France where it was all the rage especially at the court.
The purple variety is a much newer invention. It’s believed that these varieties came to Italy from Africa and that they are still grown in Africa as a wild plant. They are now grown mostly in cities or close to them since that’s where the chefs need them.
Packaging
There are a few ways to package cauliflower. They are sometimes kept in open boxes made out of cardboard or plastic and sold unpacked. That’s because it allows the customers to touch the plant and to determine how fresh it is.
There’s also a common practice of packaging them by wrapping them in thin plastic wrapping. These are to protect the plant from falling apart when moved and to appear to be fresh for a longer period of time.
Enjoying Purple Graffiti Cauliflower
You can use purple cauliflower in the same way as you can use the white one. These are mostly eaten raw or in salads or as a side dishes. This is because its color is one of its main features and in these dishes that color can pop out and become a central piece of the dishes.
Other than that purple cauliflower can also be roasted and fried just like any other would and it would change its color in the process. This will make the plant tender and sweet in taste, making it a perfect companion to the more heaty and heavy dishes.
Storage
It’s easy to store cauliflower. It should be kept in a loosely wrapped plastic bag and kept in the cold part of the fridge. It can remain like that for a period of about two weeks before it starts to lose its qualities starting with the color and the shape and firmness of the plant.
Cooking
It’s a photogenic plant and it can be used in a variety of different meals and mixed with other vegetable and meat depending on your taste and preference. Here’s a simple recipe for roasting purple cauliflowers.
-Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
-Toss cut cauliflower in olive oil. Make sure to coat entire surface of vegetable. Spread cauliflower into a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Do not over crowd pan, allow ample space.
-Generously season with salt and pepper.
-Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges and flat areas of cauliflower have browned. Cook time may vary depending on size of your florets. Serve warm and garnish with chopped Italian parsley and shredded parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Of the 100 grams of cauliflower in one serving, 92 grams are water. That means this veggie can help keep you hydrated. It’s also a good source of fiber.
Cauliflower has a group of substances known as glucosinolates. As you chew and digest it, these substances are broken down into compounds that may help prevent cancer — they help protect cells from damage and have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects.
People with certain conditions may want to talk to their doctor before eating cauliflower. The most common of these are thyroid issues and heart problems.
When Are Purple Graffiti Cauliflower in Season in Texas?
To find out when Purple Graffiti Cauliflower are in season in Texas, please check the seasonal chart below. Why is this important? We are rarely encouraged to think about the physical lengths our food travels before arriving on the market shelves. And all of this travel comes with a hefty environmental cost that is concealed from the consumer’s eye. One of the most salient benefits to eating seasonally is that you are effectively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more geographically sustainable food economy. Check other fruit and veg that’s in season in Texas now.
