[1] Rare cauliflower varieties: from top left, orange (Cheddar), Romanesco (Roman) and purple (photo © B. Sky | SXC.

We have a passion for cauliflower. Steamed or stir-fried, crudités or cauliflower soup, we eat a head a week.

A member of the botanical family Brassicaceae, the cauliflower species, Brassica oleracea, also includes arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kale, horseradish, mizuna, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnips, wasabi, watercress and other vegetables.

In addition to being low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, cauliflower and its cruciferous cousins have phytochemicals (a type of antioxidant) that are potential cancer-fighters.

Studies have shown their ability to stop the growth of cancer cells in the breast, cervix, colon, uterus, liver, lung and prostate. (Consume them raw or lightly steamed to get the maximum amount of antioxidants.)

“Cauli-fiori” was introduced to France from Italy in the 16th century. A delicacy, it was enjoyed by the wealthy.

When you take a bite, think of King Louis XIV tasting “chou-fleur” for the first time.

We’re thrilled when we find a rare species of cauliflower at farmers markets. Look for orange or Cheddar, purple and the majestic Romanesco/Roman broccoli. All look beautiful on a plate of crudités or combined into a tricolor cauliflower salad.

If you’re making conventional white cauliflower, here’s a simple chef’s trick to keep it white as snow: Add a little milk to the cooking water.