Secret to odour-free cauliflower: the baking soda trick

Cauliflower is one of the most popular vegetables in Polish cuisine. It's reminiscent of summer dinners, delicious breadcrumbs, and a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, its preparation can be troublesome, mainly because of the unpleasant odour it emits during cooking. Happily, there is a simple trick to avoid this. Cooking cauliflower can be easy and enjoyable — just add a bit of a certain ingredient to the water. We’ll reveal how to do this and why cauliflower deserves a special place in your kitchen.

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable in the kitchen, and it's also a true gem in terms of nutritional value. It contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the body's health. It's particularly rich in vitamin C — a strong antioxidant that boosts immunity and supports collagen production, which positively affects the skin, joints, and blood vessels.

Don't forget about vitamin K, essential for proper blood clotting, and the B vitamins, which support the nervous system. Cauliflower is also an excellent source of folic acid, particularly important for pregnant women because it prevents foetal developmental defects.

Thanks to its fibre content, cauliflower supports healthy digestion and provides a feeling of fullness. It is low-calorie — in about 100 grams, it contains approximately 25 calories — making it an ideal component of a weight loss diet. Add to that minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which strengthen bones and muscles, and cauliflower becomes a true ally of health.

The simplest way to get rid of the unpleasant odour when cooking cauliflower is to add a small amount of baking soda to the water. Baking soda neutralises sulphur compounds responsible for the unpleasant smell.

How to do it?

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add a small amount of baking soda — about 1/2 teaspoon is enough.
3. Put chopped cauliflower florets into the boiling water with baking soda.
4. Cook the cauliflower until tender.

Thanks to this trick, the cauliflower will retain its natural, delicate flavour, and you will avoid unpleasant odours in the kitchen.

Cooked cauliflower is an excellent base for many dishes. You can serve it:

• with butter and breadcrumbs: This classic combination always works.
• in a casserole: With the addition of cheese, eggs, and your favourite spices.
• in a salad: For example, with the addition of tomatoes, cucumber, and your favourite dressing.
• as a side to meat dishes: Perfectly pairs with poultry and fish.
• as an ingredient in soups and creams: Adds delicacy and creamy consistency to soups.

Cauliflower is an extremely healthy and versatile vegetable that is worth including in your diet. Thanks to the simple baking soda trick, cooking cauliflower becomes a pleasure, and you can enjoy its flavour without worrying about an unpleasant smell.