It could be very fresh. Usually fresher squashes taste sweeter. If you want something "stringy" and not sweet, try shredded cabbage or zuchinni instead. Also, when you live without sweets, you are better able to taste the natural sweetness in foods.

Cauliflower can't absorb moisture like rice so no matter what you do, it won't be risotto-like. It's better to make fried "rice" out of cauliflower because the moisture will evaporate. Good for you for trying though!

Karen