Preparing Dried Cauliflower and Cauliflower Powder

To dry cauliflower, dehydrate small pieces in a food dehydrator at 140°F for 6 to 14 hours. Fully dried cauliflower will be brittle and can be stored in airtight containers for 1-2 years.

How to Make Dried Cauliflower in a Food Dehydrator

1. Start by washing fresh cauliflower heads with warm water.
2. Remove any black spots with a sharp knife and discard them.
3. Slice the cauliflower into uniform, small florets for even drying.
4. Blanch the cauliflower florets in boiling water for 3 minutes.
5. Add a squeeze of bottled lemon juice to the hot water to retain the white color of the cauliflower.
6. Finish blanching the cauliflower pieces by submerging them briefly in an ice-water bath.
7. Remove the cauliflower from the cold water and blot the cauliflower dry with paper towels or a clean cloth.
8. Place the cauliflower pieces on food dehydrator trays and dehydrate them at 140°F for 12 to 15 hours.
9. Test the cauliflower every hour after the 6th hour by bringing a piece to room temperature. Fully dried cauliflower has a leathery feel and crisp texture.
10. Once fully dried, remove the cauliflower from the dehydrator and let the pieces come to room temperature.
11. Store them in an airtight container and place containers in a cool, dark, and dry place for long-term storage.

Preparing Dehydrated Cauliflower Powder

Also known as cauliflower flour, cauliflower powder is made from dried cauliflower. It is prepared by grinding whole cauliflower heads into a powder and dehydrating the powder. It is paleo, vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, high-protein, low-carb, and high-fiber.

To make cauliflower powder at home, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by removing cauliflower leaves, stems, and core from the cauliflower florets. Rinse the pieces under water.
2. Place the small pieces of cauliflower into a blender or food processor until it achieves a mashed potato consistency.
3. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper. Spread the mashed cauliflower in a thin, even layer across the baking sheet.
4. Dry the mashed cauliflower in an oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or until dry.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the dried cauliflower to cool.
6. Pour the dried cauliflower into a clean blender or food processor and pulse until a fine powder of your desired consistency is formed.
7. Pour the powder into an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.

Steps to Make Dehydrated Cauliflower Rice

1. Remove the stalk and leaves from the heads of the cauliflower and slice them into florets.
2. Put your cauliflower florets in the food processor and pulse until the consistency of rice is achieved.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pour the cauliflower rice onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Season with turmeric and mix thoroughly. Spread the mixture evenly across the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
5. Spread the riced cauliflower on food dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover with a mesh sheet to prevent scattering of the small pieces through the dehydrator.
7. Dehydrate at 135°F for around 4 to 8 hours or until crunchy and dry.
8. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How Long Does It Take Cauliflower to Dry?

It takes between 6 and 14 hours to dry cauliflower fully in a food dehydrator. You may need to rotate the dehydrator trays when drying cauliflower to ensure even moisture evaporation. When fully dehydrated, cauliflower is brittle.

What are the Benefits of Dehydrated Cauliflower?

• Dehydrated cauliflower is versatile and fits into many specialized diets
• Dried cauliflower is a nutritious food rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Drying cauliflower extends its shelf-life
• It contains antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids
• It’s a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous

What Can You Do with Dried Cauliflower?

There are many ways to use dried cauliflower, including:

1. Add to salads: Dehydrated cauliflower florets add crunch to summer salads.
2. Add to soups or stews: Bulk up ‌casseroles and stews with dried cauliflower for extra texture.
3. Healthy on-the-go snack: Eat it as a healthy snack between meals.
4. Make mashed cauliflower: Prepare a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes.
5. Make cauliflower pizza crust: Use cauliflower powder instead of wheat flour to make a low-carb pizza crust.
6. Make cauliflower popcorn: Toss dried cauliflower with olive oil and salt, and bake in an oven until crispy – it’s a great movie theater snack!
7. Make chocolate brownie bites: For something sweet after meals, consider making gluten-free chocolate brownie bites with cauliflower powder.
8. Rice substitute: Use dried cauliflower rice as a rice substitute.
9. Side dish: Use rehydrated cauliflower as a warm or cold side dish.

How to Rehydrate Dried Cauliflower

Rehydrate dehydrated cauliflower in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes until your desired texture is achieved. It can also be rehydrated in broth or by cooking it with other wet ingredients.

What is the Best Way to Store Dried Cauliflower?

Use airtight containers or Mylar bags to store dried cauliflower. You can also store cauliflower rice in canning jars with oxygen absorbers to prevent moisture and spoilage.

Dehydrated cauliflower has a shelf life of 1-2 years with proper long-term storage. Keep the storage containers in a cool, dry place, away from moisture or direct sunlight.