Cabbage is related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale. It belongs to the same family as mustard, which is evident in its slightly spicy flavor.
The cabbage
All varieties of cabbage are rich in vitamin C and fiber. They contain a good amount of folates and a moderate amount of vitamin A, calcium, and beta-carotene. The greener leaves contain more carotene than the inner leaves, which are pale or white in color.
There is evidence indicating that cabbages originate from Asia Minor, and there are references to the cultivation of cabbages in texts from classical Rome. The Celts were the ones who broughtcabbages to northern Europe around 600 BC. and soon cabbage became an everyday vegetable. Although the cabbages with tight heads that we know today appeared later. The Slavs were the ones who introduced the process for making sauerkraut in Germany.
Cabbages arrived in the new territories with the colonizers and are now spread all over the world.
How to identify cabbages
Cabbages are a group of long leaves agglomerated in dense buds, which are usually round. The heads can also be elongated or flattened, depending on the variety of cabbage.
Round cabbage has a tight head with green leaves. It is the most common variety.
White cabbage also has a tight round head but its heads are very pale green, almost white.
Savoy cabbage or cabbage has dark green, curly leaves.
Red cabbage has a tight, rounded head with purple leaves.
Kale has thick stalks and curly leaves that are often quite open. The variety with the jagged edge is more popular than the one with the smooth one.
How to use and storage cabbages
Cabbages are in stores year-round, though there are many more winter varieties.
Both in cabbages or collards, firm, heavy hearts should be chosen in relation to their size, although Savoy cabbage is lighter. The leaves should be fresh and smooth, finely ribbed, and have good color.
They are kept in the refrigerator, in the vegetable drawer, in a paper bag or in a plastic bag with a sheet of kitchen paper.
They can be eaten raw, in salads, pickled or cooked.
Collards or cabbages freeze well if blanched first.
Preparation and cooking
To prepare them, the outer leaves, which tend to have worse color or are looser, are removed. Cut in two or quarters, depending on the amount to be consumed, and rinse well in cold water. The center is usually removed, unless it is going to be cooked in whole pieces, in which case the center serves to hold the leaves together.
You can empty the center and fill the hole and then cook it whole. Whole sheets are also stuffed. Cabbage can be shredded to be sautéed or added to soups, just as you would other vegetables.
White cabbage is what you use to make sauerkraut and salads. Savoy cabbage is also good raw. Spiky cabbage is best cooked and prepared like white cabbage. Red cabbage, or red cabbage, is best cooked slowly.
Kale is prepared by first separating the leaves from the stem, then removing the large, tough midrib from each leaf and washing it well. Kale is used in vegetable juices and salads, or steamed, boiled, or sautéed for a few minutes until tender. It can be added to soups and stews.
