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

What is Napa cabbage?

Napa cabbage, also called Chinese cabbage or celery cabbage, is a vegetable with green leaves and white ribs. It’s often used in Asian cuisine. The inner leaves are used to make dim sum, and they’re also used in broths, stir-fries, noodle dishes, and salads.

Where did Napa cabbages originate from?

The Napa cabbage dates back to the 5th century A.D. People believe it’s a naturally hybridized cross between a turnip and bok choy. The plant arrived in Japan around the late 1800s, but the country has produced some of its own hybrid versions since then.

It’s now produced in the U.S., mostly in California and Florida. In fact, there are over 12,393 acres of land used to produce Napa cabbages, which is why it’s so easily found.

What is the nutritional value of Napa cabbage?

Napa cabbage has tons of health benefits. It contains the following nutrients:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Sodium
• Dietary fiber
• Protein
• Copper
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Selenium

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How is Napa cabbage grown?

Cabbage takes a few months to grow, and people sometimes plant it in the early spring to be ready to harvest in mid-summer. But depending on the region, some people will plant Napa cabbage in mid-summer to be harvested in the fall. No matter where you plant them, the heads will be ready to harvest in about 70 to 90 days after the seedlings sprout.

If you’re going to be planting in the spring, you’ll need to direct sow or start seed indoors approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date.

Start by planting seeds 1/4 to 1/2in deep about 6in apart. Find rich, well-amended soil to plant your Napa cabbage because it has a pretty long growing season. Next, dig a few inches of organic matter (like well-rotted manure or compost). While pH isn’t hugely important here, aim for something in the range of 6.5 to 7.0.

Once they grow to a couple of inches tall, thin the seedlings. If you’re going to be growing a full-sized plant, make sure to thin to a spacing of about 12 to 18in so that the heads have ample room to grow. You can grow your Napa cabbage in full sunlight or partly in the shade. However, it does need at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight every day.

Water your Napa cabbage regularly. About 1in of water every week should be sufficient. Remember, drought can cause bolting. Napa cabbage doesn’t need fertilizer, but it might benefit from a little bit of compost as a topdressing. After the heads start to form, apply a 20-20-20 soluble blend or fish emulsion.

As far as temperature and humidity go, most types of Napa cabbage can handle both warm and cool weather. However, in cooler climates, it’ll grow all year long.

When is Napa cabbage in season?

Napa cabbage is in season during the summer and fall months, but they’re available all year round in most areas. You should have no trouble finding them at your local grocery store.

How do you pick Napa cabbage at the grocery store?

When shopping for Napa cabbage at the grocery store, look for ones with bright white ribs and firm green leaves. Using the leaves in the first 2 to 3 days is highly recommended if you want to be able to enjoy their crispness.

If you’re looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for Napa 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.

How to store Napa cabbage

Storing napa cabbage means making sure it’s covered or put in a storage container to prevent wilting. Then, place it in the fridge. Store it unwashed for up to a week. Plucking the leaves from the outer layer can help keep them fresher longer.

How to tell if Napa cabbage is bad

You’ll know Napa cabbage is bad if you see black spots on it. In that case, throw it away immediately (or avoid purchasing it if you’re at the grocery store).

However, if you see black spots on the outer leaves, you can just remove them and throw them away. You can still eat the cabbage as long as you check the inner leaves thoroughly.

What can I substitute for Napa cabbage?

Don’t have Napa cabbage? You can always use:

• Green cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Savoy cabbage
• Choy sum
• Bok choy
• Celery
• Kohlrabi
• Kale

Completing your recipe should be no problem with these similar substitutes.

Finding the freshest cabbage available

Napa cabbage has undoubtedly got some amazing health benefits, which is a good reason to want some in your kitchen. Get some nutritional goodness delivered right to your door when you order fresh produce with Instacart using same-day delivery!

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