Cabbage is one of the well-known vegetables in Europe. It is deemed to be a main ingredient of the traditional Russian diet and a wonderful source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and folate. You can take advantage of it as a side dish or add it to your main dish.
In this article, we will share how to cut cabbage in several ways and the different varieties available.
Get to know more about cabbages!
Cabbages are a staple of the garden and the Mediterranean diet. They’re easy to grow and have a long history of being used in cooking.
The leaves can be eaten raw or sautéed in oil and served as a side dish. Meanwhile, the core can be steamed or boiled, then served with butter and salt. It’s also great raw in salads! And it’s pretty interesting to know that cabbages are a great source of vitamin K and fiber, which will help your gut stay healthy!
What are the different varieties of cabbage?
Four common cabbage varieties are available in groceries, including the following.
Green cabbage
This is the most common type that people consume. The outer is green while the inside has a light green and white. Raw green cabbage feels rubbery and peppery, but when cooked, it turns sweet.
Red or purple cabbage
This variety is one of the longest to mature. It’s also the one that’s often pickled and shredded, making a perfect addition to salads and coleslaw.
You can use red cabbage in almost any dish, but be sure that its color will affect other ingredients. You might end up ruining the aesthetic of your dish.
Savoy cabbage
This Italian cabbage is described as deep green and with wavy leaves. Among all the varieties, it’s the sweetest and most tender of them all. It has a less compact head and is the perfect option for stuffed cabbage.
Napa cabbage
This variety is also called Chinese cabbage. It has yellow-green leaves and a unique oblong head. In terms of its raw flavor, it’s softer and sweeter than any other variety.
How to select the right cabbage to cut?
Choosing the right cabbage and ensuring a quality vegetable is essential in cooking. So, before we teach you how to cut cabbage, let’s learn more about selecting the right cabbage.
- Cabbage heads are generally bigger than other varieties of cabbage, so it’s a good idea to get the largest one you can find.
- The head should also be heavy and firm, with no soft spots or brown spots on the stem where it meets the leafy part of the head, indicating that it may have been planted too close together or exposed to too much sun for too long.
- The leaves should be fresh and crisp but not too soft or limp. You should be able to snap them in half with your fingers.
- If you see browning on the outside leaves, chances are that they’re getting too old or too dry, so don’t use them for cooking.
Steps on how to cut cabbage
And here’s the exciting part, where you’ll learn how to cut cabbage! Follow these steps to get started!
- Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, especially the dark, tough outer leaves.
- Wash your cabbage in cold water.
- Next, find the stem at the bottom.
- Then cut the cabbage in the middle of the hard stem, giving you two equal halves.
- Cut your halves in half and then half again, giving you quarters.
- Cut the core or the hard stem of your cabbage at an angle and discard it.
Slicing cabbage
If you use your cabbage for thin ribbons, you’ll need to slice it using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
If you have a mandolin, slicing your cabbage would be very easy. But if you do not have one, just lay your quarter-cut cabbage on its flat side, then start slicing it. It would give you a thicker result than using a mandolin.
Quick tips for cutting cabbage
As you can see, learning how to cut cabbage is fairly easy. But for this process to be more efficient and easier, here’s what we recommend.
- Always ensure that you use a sharp knife.
- Opt for a mandolin if you want a more refined and shredded cabbage.
- Always wash your cabbage before cutting to remove any bugs or dirt, especially if it’s your harvest.
- Do not forget to remove two things from your cabbage. First is the outer leaves, and second is the core of it. Remember to remove the core last because it holds the leaves.
- You can wash your cut cabbage if you prefer.
Tips on storing cut cabbage
There are times when you cut too much cabbage, and you want to store it, right? So how do you properly store your cut cabbage?
Here are some tips for storing cabbage.
- Place your cut cabbage in a breathable container and NOT in airtight bags. Store it in your crisper drawer, and it’ll be good for up to three days.
- Do not seal the plastic where you’ll put your cabbage.
- Put paper towels inside the container and the cabbage to absorb excess moisture.
- Leave your cabbage uncovered in the fridge.
Cabbage recipe ideas
So now that you know how to cut cabbage, it’s time for some delicious cabbage recipes! Here are some affordable yet mouth-watering cabbage dishes to try.
- Fried cabbage
- Sauteed cabbage
- Bacon fried cabbage
- Napa cabbage with sesame ranch
- Kimchi
- Crispy pan-fried shrimp with cabbage
- Caramelized cabbage
Time to cut cabbage the right way!
Cabbage is a great veggie to have on hand, especially if you’re looking for something hearty and filling. It has low calories and high fiber, so it can keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Now that you’ve learned how to cut cabbage, you’re ready to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and textures. Pick up new knives and find a way to ensure they’re sharp. That’s the best way to avoid any accidents!
If you want an even more challenging way to use your new skills, try cutting the leaves of your cabbages in the shape of a boat. It’ll be like having a whole new vegetable!