What is the difference between cauliflower and broccoli? Are they the same vegetable?

1. Different species

Although cauliflower and broccoli are both vegetables of the cruciferous family, cauliflower belongs to the cauliflower subspecies and is also called cauliflower and huacai.

Broccoli originated in Italy and belongs to the broccoli subspecies. It has many alternative names and is also called green cauliflower, qinghuacai, and lücaihua.

2. Different appearance

The cauliflower heads are mostly milky white, sometimes a little yellowish. On the cauliflower head, obvious chunks can be seen, clustered together part by part.

Broccoli differs greatly from cauliflower in color. It is mainly green, sometimes purple-green. Its surface is relatively loose, without clustered chunks.

3. Different leaves

Besides the most obvious difference on the surface, there are also differences in the leaves. The leaves of cauliflower are grayish green, with fine tooth-like splits along the leaf edges.

The leaves of broccoli are blue-green in the later stage, darker than the leaves of napa cabbage, and can be easily distinguished. This point is quite obvious.

4. Different taste

Cauliflower is mainly stir-fried, and can also be made into pickles. Its taste is relatively strong.

Broccoli is brightly colored and suitable for light stir-frying or serving as a cold salad. Its taste is relatively mild, and its nutritional value is very high, so you can choose according to your own preference.