Cauliflower is a single-stalked, half-hardy, biennial member of the cole or cabbage family. It’s grown as an annual, and the edible flower buds form a solid head (sometimes called a curd), which may be white, purple, or green.

It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. Typically, only the head is eaten while the stalk and surrounding thick, green leaves are used in vegetable broth or discarded. Cauliflower is nutritious, and may be eaten cooked, raw or pickled.