Cauliflower Safety Inspection

Cauliflower is frequently treated with chalk powder and other whitening agents to make it appear fresher and whiter than it naturally is. **1. The Color Check:** Natural cauliflower is cream, ivory, or slightly off-white in color. If the cauliflower is bright white (like paper), it has likely been treated with chalk powder or bleaching agents. **2. The Rub Test:** Gently rub the florets with your dry fingers. If white powder comes off easily and coats your hand, it's chalk powder. Natural cauliflower won't leave powdery residue. **3. The Wash Water Test:** Soak the cauliflower in a bowl of water for 15 minutes. If the water turns milky white or you see white sediment settling at the bottom, it indicates chalk powder treatment. **4. The Spot Check:** Look for small brown or black spots on the florets. While these might look unappealing, they are actually signs of natural aging and indicate the cauliflower hasn't been chemically whitened. **Safety Tip:** Always soak cauliflower in warm salted water for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps remove surface chemicals and also flushes out any insects hiding in the florets.