Purple cauliflower is pictured in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

An eye-catching variety of purple cauliflower has been discovered in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, local media reported on April 27.

Huang Linxing, a local farmer, said he decided to experiment with a new strain of seeds from Jinhua city as he was intrigued by the unusual hue.

Purple cauliflower retains its color better than other varieties when cooked. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Purple cauliflower has a deep color due to the presence of anthocyanin, a pigment that is associated with higher levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties compared to regular cauliflower, according to Huang.

The purple cauliflower is not a genetically modified organism but a result of selective breeding or mutation. However, it is recommended not to overeat and avoid consuming it raw to prevent digestive discomfort.