Cabbage Produce Guide + 41 Recipes
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Cabbage Produce Guide is an informative guide on the different varieties, how to cut it, health benefits, and includes 41 of the best cabbage recipes!
I think it’s safe to say that most people only think of St. Patrick’s Day and coleslaw when it comes to cabbage. I know I’m guilty, which is why I chose to feature it in this produce guide.
I’m inspired to use it a lot more often after working on this guide. It’s got great health benefits, and it’s extremely versatile, making it easy to incorporate into a wide variety of recipes.
It’s absolutely delicious raw and cooked, and I’ve got a new recipe coming your way next week. 🙂
Additional Produce Guides you’ll enjoy:
- Carrots
- Cranberries
- Fava beans
- Fennel
- Figs
- Kabocha squash
- Leeks
- Persimmons
- Poblano peppers
- Rhubarb
- Swiss chard
Cabbage
Growing up, I was exposed to cabbage once a year on St. Patrick’s Day. It was pressure cooked along with the corned beef and potatoes, so to say that it was overcooked is an understatement.
My memories of mushy cabbage kept me from eating it more often until I got a lot older. That’s a shame, because when it’s cooked properly, it’s just as good (or better) than it is raw.
Varieties
Cabbage is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale.
There are many different types of cabbage, but this guide will focus on the following (4) main varieties:
- Green cabbage (aka Cannonball). This is the most common variety. It’s referred to as “cannonball” because of its compact, round shape. It has a mild, slightly peppery flavor when raw, but once it’s cooked, the flavor is nice and sweet.
- Napa cabbage. This is a Chinese variety. It’s oblong in shape, with frilly greenish yellow leaves and crisp, white stalks. It has a soft texture and sweet flavor.
- Red or purple cabbage. This variety is dense and round in shape, with a reddish purple color. The color changes based on the ph level of the soil that it’s grown in, and the flavor is bold and peppery.
- Savoy cabbage. This variety is named after the Savoy region of France. It’s round in shape, with crinkly leaves that are yellowish-white with bright green edges. It’s crisp yet soft in texture and mild in flavor.
Health benefits
There are so many impressive health benefits, which makes it surprising that this vegetable is often overlooked.
1 cup raw cabbage contains:
- 22 calories
- 5.2 grams carbohydrates
- 1 gram protein
- 2 grams fiber
It’s also an excellent source of Vitamins C, B6 and K, as well as minerals such as folate and manganese. It can also help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
See more cabbage health benefits.
Choosing and storing
The head should be firm to the touch, nice and heavy, with healthy, bright leaves that have no discoloration.
Whole heads will keep longer, so don’t cut it until you’re ready to use it. Store the whole head in a loose plastic bag in the crisper for up to 5 days.
After cutting, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the crisper, or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How to cut cabbage
It’s extremely easy to cut, especially when following the simple steps below!
- Remove the stem. This can be done with a regular or paring knife.
- Cut in half. Stand upright on a cutting board and cut in half.
- Remove the core. Stand upright and cut along the sides of the core in a triangular shape. It’s much easier to do this with a paring knife.
- Cut into wedges. Place cut-side down on the cutting board and cut into (4) wedges.
- Cut each wedge into strips. Place the wedge cut-side down and cut into strips.
41 Best Cabbage Recipes
41 Best Cabbage Recipes is a round of of delicious cabbage recipes including stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage soup, thai cabbage salad and coleslaw!
Vegan Coleslaw with Creamy Curry Dressing
Vegan Coleslaw with Creamy Curry Dressing is crunchy cabbage blend tossed with an addicting curry coleslaw dressing. It’s a delicious twist on classic coleslaw!
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole - Cabbage Roll Casserole
Stuffed cabbage casserole (or cabbage roll casserole) is a flavorful and delicious family meal that's so easy to make!
One-Pot Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Stuffed Cabbage Soup recipe that tastes just like the stuffed cabbage rolls, but done in one pot and in less than 45 minutes. This dish freezes well and is a great way to feed a crowd.
Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce (Whole30, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo)
Egg roll in a bowl with creamy chili sauce is a wonderfully flavorful, quick Whole30 recipe made in one skillet. This low carb, keto friendly, and paleo dish is an addictive Asian dinner recipe the whole family will love.
Thai Chicken Cabbage Wraps with Peanut Sauce | Floating Kitchen
Thai Chicken Cabbage Wraps with Peanut Sauce.
One-Pan Chicken and Cabbage
Chicken and cabbage is a one pan meal that is healthy and quick. Use it for dinner or meal prep four lunches in under 30 minutes.
Corned Beef and Cabbage (Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker)
Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic corned beef and cabbage recipe that includes slow cooker and Instant Pot instructions!
Cabbage Salad with Braeburn Apples & Spiced Pecans
This cabbage salad with Braeburn apples and spiced pecans is the perfect winter salad. It's crunchy, spicy, and tossed with an Asian-flavored dressing.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon
Fried Cabbage With Bacon, with tender cabbage and savory bacon, makes a quick and easy, super flavorful Southern side dish for any meal, especially for St. Patrick’s Day.
Vegetable Soup with Cabbage
You will love this vegetarian soup to warm you! Vegetable Soup with Cabbage is a healthy, hearty soup that is packed with vegetables, beans and tiny pasta.
Raw Cauliflower “Couscous” with Kale and Cabbage
Raw Cauliflower "Couscous" Salad with Kale and Cabbage
Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls
Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls are a spicy, Asian-inspired twist on traditional cabbage rolls! Use turkey, chicken, beef or even tofu if you prefer!
Sauteed Cabbage with Mustard
Sautéed Cabbage with Mustard is the perfect healthy side dish for St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s versatile enough to serve all year long.
Quick Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Asian inspired Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry skillet, prepared in just one-pan within minutes.
Apple Cabbage Salad with Walnuts and Gorgonzola
This Apple Cabbage Salad with Walnuts and Gorgonzola is a delicious way to add a fresh, crisp element to your holiday menu.
Lentil and Winter Vegetable Borscht | Occasionally Eggs
Classic beet soup with a whole foods twist – vegan borscht with lentils and piles of winter vegetables. The traditional soup is made into a full meal here with the addition of legumes, and if you’re a beet fan, you’ll love it.
Easy Veggie Spring Rolls
These veggie spring rolls are fresh, flavorful and fully loaded! They’ll take just 20 minute to throw together and will stay fresh in the fridge all week.
UNSTUFFED CABBAGE CASSEROLE {Low-Carb!} - WonkyWonderful
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a great family dinner idea. This one-pot casserole is made low carb and can be served alongside rice for those that want it.
Low FODMAP & Gluten Free Macaroni Slaw - FODMAP Everyday
Macaroni Slaw is a cross between macaroni salad and coleslaw with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Jamaican Cabbage Recipe
This sweet Jamaican Cabbage Recipe is one of those perfect side dishes that goes with almost everything. Quick and easy to prepare and bursting with everyday fresh vegetables and herbs, it's a little slice of the Caribbean served on a plate.
Red cabbage and apple slaw with pomegranate and walnuts
Red cabbage and apple slaw with pomegranate and walnuts.
Guinness Corned Beef Sliders {Slow Cooker}
Guinness Corned Beef Sliders are tender slices of Guinness braised corned beef topped with cabbage slaw. They're the perfect St. Patrick's Day fare!
Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Mustard Vinaigrette
Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Mustard Vinaigrette takes humble cabbage to a whole new delicious level!
Cabbage Soup with Sausage and Potatoes
Cabbage Soup with Sausage will hit the spot! It’s a little spicy, chock full of veggies and fills ya up. Every spoonful is warming, delicious and belly satisfying!
Kimchi Me Crazy (dairy free/Paleo & GAPS friendly)
A spicy and salty mix of cabbage, carrots, green onion, garlic and ginger. This Homemade Kimchi is super tasty and addicting!
Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - Pressure Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Instant pot stuffed cabbage rolls are equally delicious as the oven or stove top version but made quicker and without any fuss. If you are looking for recipes that use leftover rice, this is it!
Classic Vinegar Based Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Thai Cabbage Salad
This Thai cabbage salad is light, refreshing, and loaded with all of my favorite Asian flavors.
Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner with Cabbage and Carrots
This Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner with Cabbage and Carrots is an easy and delicious meal, made on one pan in about 45 minutes. You’re going to love it for busy weeknights!
Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps are healthy, low carb Asian chicken lettuce cups that take only a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare!
Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Bowls
Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw
Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw is light, easy to make and perfect as a summer side dish, on tacos or with avocado or grilled chicken added in. This salad is healthy, sweet with a hint of spice.
Borscht Soup with Beef (Gluten-Free, Whole 30)
Traditional Borscht Soup recipe is made with beef bone broth, beets, and cabbage. This delicious healthy soup is a great comfort meal for the Fall and Winter seasons!
Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad
A healthy Chinese chicken salad full of crunchy veggies like cabbage, carrots, sprouts, and snap peas! Served with a light, flavorful soy sesame dressing!
Low-Carb Fried Cabbage with Corned Beef
Use leftover corned beef or corned beef from the deli, then grab some cabbage and make this tasty four-ingredient Low-Carb Fried Cabbage with Corned Beef! Use Cabbage Recipes to find more recipes like this one!
Cabbage and Sausage Stew
This Cabbage and Sausage Stew recipe is delicious, packed with nutritious ingredients and it’s totally hearty and comforting.
Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Cabbage Roll Casserole is much easier than making traditional cabbage rolls! This yummy casserole is slowly baked and full of ground beef, rice and cabbage in a light tomato sauce. Hearty, simple to make and delicious!
Super Crunchy Thai Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Healthy enough for a weeknight family dinner and elegant enough for a dinner party, this Thai Noodle Salad is loaded with fresh veggies. Crisp peppers, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, cilantro and crunchy peanuts are all tossed together with rice noodles and a spicy Thai-style peanut sauce!
Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw with Apples and Fennel
Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw with Apples and Fennel is a crunchy and addictive cabbage slaw with apples and fennel, tossed in a creamy no mayo coleslaw dressing!
Such a comprehensive guide to cabbage, Marcie! We love cabbage in our home and actually grew some last year! I love how versatile, hearty and tasty it is! Can’t wait to try some of these recipes – they all look delicious! Thanks a bunch for including my cabbage soup 🙂 XO
I’ve never tried growing it! Thanks Dawn and I can’t wait to try your soup!
Thanks so much for this product guide – I have had no idea that cabbage is so good for you! I am afraid that I also suffer from the childhood memories of overcooked cabbage which we had a LOT. The list of recipes showcasing cabbage is also mouthwatering – thank you so much for including this and inspiring me to use cabbage more often!
It seems that everyone experienced mushy cabbage growing up! lol Thanks Katerina!
Growing up we had green cabbage every Sunday with our ‘jigg’s dinner’. Veggies (including cabbage, potato, carrot and turnip) boiled with salt meat (which I’m guessing is similar to corned beef?). Needless to say, like you, I was a bit turned from the mushy cabbage. Nowadays, I prepare it in many different ways, and purple cabbage is a staple in our house! Thanks for another great produce guide Marcie!
That meal does sound like corned beef! I love purple cabbage too and need to use it a lot more often!
I totally do not cook with cabbage and definitely should start playing around with it more! That veggie cabbage soup sounds up my alley.
I’ve been missing out and need to use it a lot more!