Cabbage
Also called white cabbage, red cabbage
Cabbage provides texture and a peppery bite whether raw or cooked.
Flavor profile
Aroma: peppery, earthy
Good to know
Origin: Europe
Forms: fresh, pickled, fermented
Storage: Store fresh cabbage in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic, for up to two weeks.
How to use cabbage
The Crunch Challenge
A dip in ice water boosts cabbage's crunch by increasing turgor pressure, great for salads.
Heat and Sweet
Cooking breaks down cellulose and lignin, releasing sugars and cutting bitterness.
What goes with cabbage
- Vinegar. Vinegar tenderizes cabbage while adding a sharp counterbalance.
- Pork Shoulder. Cabbage takes up pork's rich drippings in a classic pairing.
- Mayonnaise. Mayonnaise's fat and acid coat cabbage and soften it in slaw.
- Tortilla. Shredded cabbage adds crunch to tacos, especially fish tacos.
- Fennel Seed. Fennel's sweetness contrasts with cabbage's slight bitterness.
- Mustard Seed. Mustard seed cuts through cabbage's earthy taste with pungent heat.
- Carrot. Cabbage and carrot both crunch sturdily, holding up well in dressings.
- Garlic. Garlic's pungency cuts through cabbage's earthy baseline.
- Onion. Onion's sweetness melts into cabbage as both slowly soften in a pan.
- Pork Belly. Rich pork belly fat balances cabbage's sulfur and sweetness.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using aged cabbage releases hydrogen sulfide, which tastes like sulfur.
- Overcooked cabbage gets mushy from cell wall rupture and smells strongly.
Ideas for tonight
- Toss into coleslaw with carrots and creamy dressing.
- Stir-fry with soy sauce and ginger quickly.
- Cook with potatoes in a filling soup.
Cabbage: questions
What does cabbage taste like?
Cabbage provides texture and a peppery bite whether raw or cooked., with an aroma that is peppery, earthy.
What goes well with cabbage?
Cabbage pairs best with vinegar, pork shoulder, mayonnaise, tortilla, fennel seed. Vinegar tenderizes cabbage while adding a sharp counterbalance.
How do you use cabbage in cooking?
The Crunch Challenge: a dip in ice water boosts cabbage's crunch by increasing turgor pressure, great for salads.
How should you store cabbage?
Store fresh cabbage in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic, for up to two weeks.
What is the most common mistake with cabbage?
Using aged cabbage releases hydrogen sulfide, which tastes like sulfur.
