If you have harvested too much cauliflower to eat right away, you can dehydrate the extra for use later in the year. While cauliflower holds up fairly well during dehydration, much of cauliflower's vitamin C content is lost during the drying process. For the best results, dry cauliflower in a food dehydrator instead of outside or in an oven.
Step 1
Wash the cauliflower and cut it up into small uniform-sized pieces.
Step 2
Drop it into rapidly boiling water and cook it for three to four minutes to blanch it. Blanching the cauliflower will render the enzymes in the vegetable inactive to prevent spoilage and to help preserve its flavor. The water must completely cover the cauliflower.
Step 3
Remove the cauliflower from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water. The cold temperature will instantly stop the cooking process.
Step 4
Drain the cauliflower by laying the pieces on paper towels for several minutes, repositioning them, and then leaving them for several more minutes.
Step 5
Place the cauliflower into your food dehydrator at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6
Set the dehydrator to run for 12 hours. Use the timer if your food is scheduled to finish drying during the night, or schedule the drying so that the cauliflower finishes during day hours when you will be at home.
Step 7
Check the cauliflower and continue drying if necessary. Cauliflower should be fully dehydrated within 15 hours.
Tips and Warnings
- You can dehydrate cauliflower by leaving it in the sun provided the outside temperature meets or exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is below 60 percent. Cauliflower will take several days to dry under these conditions.
- Most household ovens are not designed for dehydrating foods and they may do a poor job.
Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Large pot
- Ice
- Large bowl
- Paper towels
- Food dehydrator
References
- University of Missouri Extension: Preserve Broccoli and Cauliflower Spring or Fall
- University of Missouri Extension: Quality for Keeps: How to Dry Foods at Home
- Washington State University/Skagit County Extension: Cauliflower
- Colorado State University Extension: Drying Vegetables
- University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension: Drying Vegetables
