Harvest
How to blanch cauliflower heads
Cauliflower curds turn yellow or greenish when sunlight hits them. Blanching means gathering the outer leaves up over the head so it stays creamy white until harvest.
Steps
- Watch for the curd to reach about the size of an egg — that's the moment to start.
- Gather 3–4 large outer leaves up and over the top of the head.
- Tie them loosely at the tips with soft twine, a rubber band, or a clothespin.
- Leave airflow — don't wrap tightly, or moisture gets trapped and the head can rot.
- Check every few days; harvest when the head is firm and about 6–8 inches across.
Helpful tip
Self-blanching varieties like Snowball, Snow Crown, or Self-Blanche curl their own leaves over the head — no tying needed.