Opt For Frozen Cauliflower Rice Over Fresh. Here's Why

Cauliflower rice is a great way to sneakily work a generous dose of vegetables into your diet. An alternative to traditional rice grains, you can either make your own from scratch or pick up a bag from the grocery store. However, there's a decision to make: fresh or frozen. Although your first instinct may be to reach for a package of fresh cauliflower, frozen is actually the better option.

Beyond a slight variation in size, the differences between homemade and mass produced cauliflower rice are slim to none. Instead, the key distinction between the two options depends on convenience. Readily available and cost-effective, packages of pre-made rice save you the trouble (and the mess) of having to grate the cruciferous vegetable by hand or with hard-to-clean tools. Yet, the advantages continue to stack up for frozen cauliflower rice in particular.

Unlike fresh store bought rice, frozen has a much longer shelf life. Naturally, this makes it a stellar ingredient to keep stocked in the freezer for a later date or when you're at a loss for meal ideas. Likewise, this also means that frozen cauliflower offers itself wonderfully to buying in bulk. Not to mention that frozen versions also have the incredible ability to go unnoticed — let us explain. In comparison to fresh bags of cauliflower that boast a pungently gaseous aroma, frozen rice is way more discreet. 

Frozen has nearly identical nutritional values to fresh cauliflower rice. Similar to fresh produce that's available to us when it's fully ripened and at its nutritional peak, frozen produce is also processed at its prime, which means vital nutrients are maintained even long after sitting in the freezer aisle for weeks.

Frozen cauliflower rice should also be your first choice as it boasts the same great taste as fresh rice. Evidently, it can be used in power bowls, stir-fry recipes, and everything in between. The one thing to keep in mind is that frozen cauliflower rice is prone to becoming mushy when cooked incorrectly. That said, while many swear by slightly thawing the pieces and wringing them out prior to cooking, this actually isn't ideal. Rather, it's best to use the rice from frozen, cooking over high heat for a matter of minutes — simmering will only lead to increased sogginess.

Now that you have all the facts, the decision should be easy. Always buy frozen cauliflower rice if you're looking for a wholesomely tasty alternative to rice that will save you time and money in the long run.