Question

The edible part of cauliflower is-
A. Vegetative apex
B. Inflorescence
C. Flower
D. Fruit

Answer 1

Hint: Cauliflower is one of several of the popular and commonly used vegetables in the species of Brassica oleracea, in the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual plant which further reproduces by seed.

Complete answer:
Cauliflower belongs to the species Brassica oleracea from the family of Brassicaceae. The edible part of the plant though includes the outer jacket leaves and the white part appearing in the center is called the curd, mostly only the white curd is used for eating. This white curd appearing on the cauliflower head is actually a white inflorescence meristem which resembles somewhat to the broccoli.

Hence the correct option is option B i.e. inflorescence.

Additional Information: Basically, only the head part is eaten. Cauliflower heads show close resemblance with the broccoli, which differs in having flower buds. Brassica oleracea includes a wide range of broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens and kale, though they are of different cultivar groups. Still the most popular among all the agricultural crops which produce edible flowers are the cauliflower and broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus). There is a gradual and high demand for its flowers and they are therefore grown purposely for commercial scale.

Note: They are majorly used worldwide as flower vegetables, that is, their main use is in culinary preparation including salads. Moreover, their economic parts consist not only of pure flowers but rather of the entire immature inflorescence or flower cluster. So, the edible part of cauliflower is inflorescent, not its bud, fruit and leaves.