- Fresh cauliflower has compact and firm flowers, with green and fresh leaves. Avoid cauliflowers that have black spots, folds or soft areas, as it may indicate that they are old or rotten. - Fresh cauliflower has a white or uniform cream color. Avoid cauliflowers that have yellow or brown areas, as it may indicate that they are old or in bad shape. - Fresh cauliflower must be light for its size, this indicates that it is fresh. - Fresh cauliflower must have a fresh and light smell. Avoid cauliflowers that have an unpleasant smell or that do not smell cauliflower. - The leaves must be green and fresh, not yellow or withered, this may indicate that the cauliflower is old.