What is the Difference Between Cauliflower and Broccoli?
Broccoli and cauliflower are both related to cabbage and mustard and many people state there aren’t significant differences between the two. Sometimes in the UK, cauliflower may be called broccoli. Despite claims that the two are so similar they’re nearly interchangeable, there are some noted differences between these two vegetables. They look different, they don’t taste exactly the same, and they offer distinctive nutrients.
In appearance, the cauliflower has closely bunched tight masses that are together on stems. With broccoli, these flower masses are more loosely distributed so that you can see space in between each stalk. Sometimes broccoli is compared to tiny trees, while cauliflower looks more like masses of cumulus clouds. Cauliflower is also white in color with light green leaves surrounding the head, and broccoli can be dark green or sometimes have purple streaking through it.
The two vegetables have some similarities when they are cooked, in taste and smell. Cauliflower is more likely to have an overall delicate taste, and broccoli tends to taste “greener” with stronger flavor. Both veggies absorb flavor well, but cauliflower may be better suited to dishes where you don’t want to add a lot of extra flavor.
Nutritionally, both vegetables have lots to offer. Half a cup (92 grams) of cooked broccoli contains a scant 26 calories, and 3 grams of dietary fiber. This veggie is rich in vitamin C, giving you over 60% of the US recommended daily allowance of this vitamin. It also has excellent levels of vitamin A and it completely lacks fats.
In comparison, cauliflower has slightly fewer calories in the same serving size. Both vegetables have about the same vitamin C levels. Cauliflower has a slightly lower dietary fiber content, about 2 grams per a half-cup serving. It also lacks one critical thing that broccoli provides in abundance. There is no vitamin A in cauliflower, and if you’re looking for foods with high vitamin A, you may want to stick to broccoli.
If you can’t choose between these vegetables, consider trying the broccoflower®. This is a newly developed broccoli/cauliflower cross that combines the taste of both veggies. The color can be a light bright green, and the clustered heads have an unusual shape that some say looks almost alien. If you want your kids to eat either of these vegetables but they refuse, you might consider serving broccoflower® because its appearance is unusual. Alien plant with cheese sauce may sound delicious to picky eaters with good imaginations.
Written by Tricia Ellis-Christensen
