How to Blanch and Freeze Cauliflower for Smoothies
Nutrition Snapshot
If you’re looking for an alternative to frozen bananas or avocados to thicken up your smoothies, I have the perfect solution for you: frozen cauliflower.
Now hear me out! 😂 It doesn’t add any flavor, but it does provide a frozen, creamy thickness to smoothies akin to your favorite milkshake.
Who knew what a versatile vegetable cauliflower is?!
Why do people put cauliflower in smoothies?
There are a few great reasons to add frozen cauliflower to smoothies:
- It adds bulk and creaminess to smoothies, making it a great alternative to bananas or avocados.
- Cauliflower is also very low in calories, so you can add bulk to your smoothie without loading it with additional calories.
- It’s nutrient-dense. While it adds minimal protein, it adds fiber, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C and calcium.
- Cauliflower is high in antioxidants
- Cauliflower doesn’t add any flavor or color to smoothies, unlike the distinct flavor that bananas add and the color that avocados add.
- It’s a great plant-based way to add more nutrition to your day
Is it safe to put frozen cauliflower in smoothies?
It is perfectly safe! The only risk would be if you had an allergy to cauliflower. In which case… don’t eat it 🙂
How to cut cauliflower into florets
- Pull the leaves off the base of the head of cauliflower, then put it on a cutting board and slice the head in half downward from the top of the crown through the stem.
- Place the cauliflower halves cut side down and cut them vertically again. Angle your knife so that it cuts out the core of each of the cauliflower quarters.
- At this point, you should be able to use your hands to pull apart the cauliflower florets, but you can use your knife to cut them smaller if needed. You can cut up the core pieces to use as well, no need to discard them!
Blanching cauliflower for freezing
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Use a large slotted spoon or long-handled mesh sieve to remove the cauliflower from the pot and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water.
Push the cauliflower under the surface of the water in the ice bath to ensure they’re all submerged in the cold water for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the cauliflower to a colander to drain the cauliflower.
Step 4: Use clean kitchen towels to gently dry the florets.
Pat dry with the kitchen towels and leave on the towels to dry more while you prep a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Best way to freeze cauliflower
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the blanched cauliflower florets in a single layer. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour to allow them to freeze solid.
Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and store in your freezer for up to 2 months.
Now you can pull out 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of cauliflower florets to add to your smoothies as needed!
I usually use Stasher reusable freezer bags (aff link) to store mine.
FAQs
What are the benefits of adding cauliflower to smoothies?
Cauliflower is high in antioxidants, and it doesn’t add any flavor or color to smoothies, unlike the distinct flavor that bananas add and the color that avocados add.
Does cauliflower have a taste in smoothies?
Can you freeze cooked cauliflower?
Can you freeze cauliflower without blanching?
How to store frozen cauliflower?
How much cauliflower is in a medium head?
How much frozen cauliflower should I add to a smoothie?
Can I use frozen riced cauliflower?
How to Blanch and Freeze Cauliflower for Smoothies
Recommended Equipment
- Large pot
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- water
- ice cubes
Instructions
Core and cut cauliflower
- Pull the leaves off the base of the head of cauliflower, then slice the head in half downward from the top of the crown through the stem.1 head cauliflower
- Place the cauliflower halves cut side down and cut them vertically again. Angle your knife so that it cuts out the core of each of the cauliflower quarters.
- At this point, you should be able to use your hands to pull apart the cauliflower florets, but you can use your knife to cut them smaller if needed. You can cut up the core pieces to use as well, no need to discard them!
Blanch cauliflower
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.water
- Carefully add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes.
- Prepare a large bowl with cold water full of ice cubes.ice cubes
- Use a large slotted spoon or long-handled mesh sieve to remove the cauliflower from the pot and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water, pushing them under the surface of the water to ensure they're all submerged in the cold water for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a colander to drain the water, then use clean kitchen towels to gently dry the florets.
Freeze cauliflower
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the blanched cauliflower florets in a single layer. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour to allow them to freeze solid.
- Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and store in your freezer for up to 3 months, pulling out 1/4-1/2 cup of cauliflower florets to add to your smoothies as needed. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is generated by an automatic API and does not take variations across specific brands into account. This information is provided as a general guideline and should not be treated as official calculations. Learn more here.
