Cabbage– All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is cabbage?

You may think that the humble cabbage is a relative of lettuce because they look alike, but cabbage actually belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family. This means that it’s a sibling of kale, and broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and the like.

Cabbage or Brassica Oleracea can vary in color from green or white-ish to red and purple. The leaves can be smooth and shiny or crinkled, ruffled, and frilly. The head can be perfectly round, or it can be elongated, even pointy. Green cabbage is the most commonly eaten type of cabbage. But even this variety can come in a range of green shades and textures can vary greatly, too. With such a diversity of shapes and shades, it’s no wonder that there are even ornamental cabbages grown for their nice looks, not their taste.

Fun fact — St. Patrick’s Day is the day with the biggest consumption of fresh green cabbage in the US when this leafy vegetable is traditionally eaten with corned beef. You probably think this is a part of Irish heritage, but it’s actually a uniquely American tradition!

Where did cabbage originate from?

Cabbage is actually one of the oldest vegetables that humans use in their diet. Now a staple of many cuisines around the world, the origins of this unassuming plant go back to 4,000 BC when it was first used in China.

Did you know that more than three-quarters of the nation’s total cabbage is produced in five states: California, Wisconsin, New York, Florida, and Texas?

What is the nutritional value of cabbage and the benefits of eating cabbage?

This leafy vegetable is chock-full of nutrients. It’s a great source of fiber and it also contains a good mix of vitamins C, E, and K, and this modest vegetable contributes to heart health.

And with only 17.5 calories per cup, it’s a great bang for your calorie buck. But it’s also easy on the wallet — a perfect match for Eating better on a budget.

According to the US Department of Agriculture FoodData Central, 1 cup of shredded cooked cabbage (70 grams) contains:

• 17.5 calories
• 4 grams of carbohydrate (including 1.75 gram of fiber and 2.24 grams of sugar)
• 0.9 gram of protein
• 0.07 of fat

Is cabbage healthier cooked or raw?

Fresh produce is usually a healthier option because heat can kill some of the good stuff found in plants. But certain vegetables, cabbage included, when cooked, can supply more antioxidants to the body than they do when raw.

There are many different ways to cook vegetables. But there are also considerable differences between cooking methods when it comes to the nutritional value of food. So, what about cooking cabbage?

A study found that sautéing was the cooking method with the most health potential for greens like cabbage, kale, and broccoli.

Sautéing may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. It’s just a fancy word for cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat in a pan over relatively high heat. You most likely did it countless times without realizing it!

For some, cooked cabbage is a bit of an acquired taste. Keep in mind that the sulfurous odor often associated with cabbage develops when it’s overcooked. This means that the longer you cook it, the more pungent the odor. So, if you want to avoid it, give it a quick stir over a moderate to high heat and you’re all set.

How is cabbage grown?

This hardy vegetable is a cool-weather crop. Cabbage grown in spring is harvested before the summer heat and the one planted in mid to late summer or fall is picked in late fall, winter, or early spring.

When is cabbage in season?

Because they come in hundreds of different types, cabbages can be harvested throughout the year. Usually, their season runs from fall through early spring, but because they can be cold-stored for months, it’s possible to buy them fresh almost all year long.

So if you ever wondered when can I find fresh cabbage near me, the short answer is — most likely throughout the year.

What should I look for when buying cabbage?

Fresh cabbage is a hardy and dense vegetable, so look for one that’s heavy for its size. Choose a compact head with tight and firm leaves.

Green cabbage should have shiny and bright green leaves while red should have deeply colored purple leaves.

Keep in mind that leaves tend to go loose with time and their color becomes paler. Few unkempt outer leaves that look like they are starting to peel off of the head are okay, but anything more than that indicates older cabbage.

So if you come across a scruffy cabbage head with limp outer leaves, give it a pass. That’s likely an older cabbage.

Also, choose a cabbage head without blemishes or soft spots which indicate a damaged vegetable that will go bad more quickly.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for cabbage via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop cabbage.

How to use cabbage

Preparing cabbage for use is quite simple. Strip off outer leaves and remove the hard inner core after you half the vegetable. Wash it under running water. Chop or shred it as desired.

You can use it raw in a crunchy salad or colorful coleslaw. Or savor it fermented as sauerkraut. You can also use it to make a soup, or enjoy it boiled, steamed, roasted, sautéed, or braised. Some even like stuffed cabbage.

Whatever you decide to do with it, make sure not to overcook it. That’s when that foul smell develops. You know, the one that gives this modest vegetable a bit of a bad reputation.

How to store cabbage

Due to lower water content, cabbage has a bit longer shelf life. Since bacteria that cause vegetables to rot thrives in water, cabbage can stay fresher for longer.

But how much longer exactly?

Cabbages can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It’s best stored in the crisper drawer for maximum freshness.

Once you cut it, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Consume it within a couple of days.

How to tell if cabbage is bad

So you open the fridge only to find out that the cabbage head looks s bit fishy? You tried to recall when was it that you bought it, but can’t really tell? It does have a longer shelf life compared to other vegetables with higher water content, but at some point, even the cabbage goes bad.

Cabbage can be a little stinky even when it’s perfectly fresh, so it’s really difficult to go by the smell test.

So, how to tell?

As the cabbage ages, the outer leaves become more and more withered. That’s expected — you can just remove these lifeless leaves before you use the vegetable.

But left too long in the fridge, cabbage leaves will turn gray and black, or they’ll get dark spots. That’s a definite sign that this crispy vegetable has started to go off. If it goes mushy, slimy, or starts to smell, it’s definitely time to through it away — but at this point, it’ll be kind of self-evident.

What can I substitute for cabbage?

So you are in the middle of cooking a dish that requires fresh cabbage and you realize that you ran out of it? You can choose same-day delivery and have it delivered to your door.

Or you can try with some of the substitutes. When it comes to green cabbage, usual suspects will include:

• Savoy cabbage
• White cabbage
• Purple cabbage
• Napa cabbage
• Spring cabbage

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