Many residents of Ottawa were not happy to wake up to news that a short supply of cauliflower has shot the price through the roof.

Some area restaurants said they'll be using broccoli or other vegetables, rather than pay the $8 per head price tag.

If the response on social media is any indication, many Ottawans are in disbelief.

"I was just complaining about the INSANE cost of cauliflower," posted Kass Minor on the CBC Ottawa Facebook page. "I swear I could buy it for $4 at the begining [sic] of November. I stood there staring at the price last week."

And she wasn't the only one.

<a href="https://twitter.com/StuMillsCBC">@StuMillsCBC</a> I picked up a cauliflower last week. Another shopper told me to look at the price. I put it back, bought broccoli instead —@denielsen

"I'm certainly not paying that for a head of cauliflower," Sandy Thompson posted on Facebook. "It can rot on the shelve before I pay that."

But, for diehard cauliflower fanatics, living without their favourite dishes is simply not an option.

Meet Nadine Lacelle. She's about to spend $8 on this cauliflower. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OttNews?src=hash">#OttNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fvp0RwOPly">pic.twitter.com/Fvp0RwOPly</a> —@StuMillsCBC

From steamed to grilled to mashed, there may be more ways to use the vegetable than you'd think.

"I make homemade Mac and cheese with cauliflower and also pizza crust," said Jessica Osborne. "I will still buy it since it is a versatile vegetable."

<a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOttawa">@CBCOttawa</a> missing my home baked buffalo cauliflower! <a href="https://t.co/AWObFKHF02">pic.twitter.com/AWObFKHF02</a> —@JessicaCneil

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> I LOVE cauliflower! It breaks my heart when the prices are so high. Aloo gobi is my fav recipe (cauliflower & potato) —@sarah_g_rice

It seems even the occasional pet is a cauliflower fan.

<a href="https://twitter.com/StuMillsCBC">@StuMillsCBC</a> I too have to pay $8. This one is on a vet recommended homemade meal that contains <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cauliflower?src=hash">#cauliflower</a>. <a href="https://t.co/EVHDTa2EMC">pic.twitter.com/EVHDTa2EMC</a> —@Kis_Lisa

Perk McCrimmon, was one of many residents to remind people that cauliflower prices have leaped before.

"The last time the price spiked, I wrapped one up and gave it to my wife for Christmas," he posted on Facebook.

For the record, they're still married.