Not all green-colored cabbages are the same!
Learn the differences and how to enjoy them.
As part of our curriculum, we cooked cuisines from around the world.
Photo:Images: levkr, chengyuzheng, Andrey Elkin
I was amazed thatcabbage could be braisedinto something so tender that almost melted in your mouth.
Or that big pieces could becharred on the grilland then tossed with spices for the most interesting flavor experience.
Cabbages come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and heads can be tight and compact or loose.
The leaves also vary, with some being curly and others flat.
What Is Green Cabbage?
Green cabbage is heavy, round and compact.
Its also an economical choice, as its often inexpensive with a high edible yield.
How to Use Green Cabbage
Green cabbage can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
Its crunchy texture is perfect for slicing thin to add to slaws and salads.
What Is Napa Cabbage?
The leaves are thin and a bit softer in texture and milder in flavor than green cabbage.
Napa cabbage keeps well in the refrigerators crisper drawer but is best if eaten within three to five days.
Thanks to its crisp texture and lightly sweet flavor, its also delicious insaladsand wrapped intospring rolls.
What Is Savoy Cabbage?
Savoy cabbage is round like green cabbage, but the leaves are not as tightly packed.
Some small but notable distinctions exist between the cabbages.
Can I Use Green, Napa and Savoy Cabbages Interchangeably?
Because of their varying textures, youll likely get different results.
Even so, it can be worth a try!
Savoy cabbage and napa cabbage can often be swapped for one another, especially in cooked dishes.
Sliced thin though, it could work for cooked dishes like stir-fries and salads.
The Bottom Line
Next time youre wandering the produce aisle, pick up a head of cabbage.
Try green cabbage using our recipe forStuffed Cabbage with BeeforStuffed Cabbage Soup.
We love using Savoy cabbage in these unique recipes forCabbage Chicken Roll EnchiladasorRoasted Savoy Cabbage with Citrus Vinaigrette.
Or create something new, using this guide for inspiration!
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Cabbage, raw.
Yang DK.Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var.
capitata) Protects against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress by Preventing Mitochondrial Dysfunction in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
2018; 23(11):2983. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23112983
