Cauliflower: How to Check for bugs

Cauliflower is frequently infested with insects and must be checked.

Look for: thrips and worms.

How to check cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of the vegetables most infested with insects. And, the structure of cauliflower makes it very difficult to reach the insects—unless the cauliflower is boiled.

1. Boil all of the cauliflower in water.

2. Remove the cauliflower and check the water.

3. If there are no signs of infestation:

a. Take three stems with their florets. Thoroughly check the florets—especially in the area formed by the fork in the floret. Hold the floret upside down and examine it closely.

b. Thoroughly check the stems.

c. If no infestation is found, the remaining florets may be eaten after being washed thoroughly. No further checking is necessary.

d. If infestation is indeed found, check every stem and floret, following steps A and B, above.

If there are signs of infestation, check all of the cauliflower, by the following steps A (but do not take just three stems—take all of the stems), and B, above.

Cauliflower: Frozen

Frequently Infested. Must be checked.

One might indeed find it easier to purchase insect-free cauliflower.