Cabbage. It’s not the most exciting vegetable. But we can’t ignore its importance in the world of food. This highly underrated leafy green comes in several varieties, each with its own unique texture and flavor. From crisp, crunchy napa cabbage to tender savoy cabbage, you can use these leafy greens for pretty much anything you’d like. You can different varieties in soups, salads, stir-fries, and more. So don’t be so quick to dismiss that head of cabbage you find in your local supermarket. Give each type a chance and let your tastebuds decide!
1. Napa Cabbage
Napa cabbage is a mild yet slightly sweet-tasting type of cabbage with beautiful long, pale green leaves. Not only does it look good, but the crunch is pretty stellar, too! The texture is much softer than some other varieties and makes for a gratifying experience when you bite into it. You can easily add it to stir-fry dishes or salads. If your tastebuds prefer something more robust, try making kimchi with it. Whether savory or sweet, this less bitter cousin of green cabbage is sure to be a hit no matter what dish you add it to.
2. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage appears to have been harvested straight from the set of Stranger Things. This is fitting since this variety of cabbage is definitely out of the ordinary. Its outer leaves are crunchy and mildly sweet in taste. Inside, you find layers of vibrant and slightly sour red or purple leaves. From raw salads with a hint of seasoning to a cooked feast with sausages and apples, red cabbage can be served in many ways. Don’t believe me? Dice up some leaves and throw them in a pan with some oil before adding carrots and onions then cooking until tender.
3. White Cabbage
White cabbage is a type of cabbage that is not just easy on the eye but also on the palate! It’s in the same family as other cabbages, such as red and green, although it has its own unique flavor. With a mild and mellow taste, white cabbage pairs perfectly with sweeter flavors like apples. Visually, it’s known for its firm white leaves, wrapping around each other to form a creamy texture. For those looking to serve something special with white cabbage, look no further than a hearty slaw! Simply mix your finely sliced whites with other crisp vegetables and a hearty mayo dressing. Then, top it all with some chopped walnuts for some crunch.
4. Green Cabbage
If you’ve ever been tempted to take a bite out of a cabbage head, green cabbage might be the one for you. This firm and crunchy type of cabbage has a flavor that’s slightly peppery and spicy, making it an ideal base for salads or slaws. It also has a beautiful deep-green color that will cause heads to turn as soon as your dinner table is set. Green cabbage has thinner leaves, which makes it ideal to pair with soup and stews or even roasts. To get the most out of its flavor and texture, grilling green cabbages in halves or wedges is definitely recommended.
5. Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage is a type of cabbage that looks like an overgrown head of lettuce, curvy, lush, and green. It has a unique buttery flavor slightly different from other types of cabbage such as white or red. Its extra crinkly leaves make it perfect for slaw salads. When you chop it, the leaves fall apart into tiny pieces for the most beautiful salad topping. Try slowly roasting it with some bacon drippings for a side dish that is at once sweet and salty.
6. Black Cabbage
Black cabbage is an exotic-looking cabbage variety that’s likely to make a statement, no matter how you serve it! It boasts long, black leaves, with a compact head and a delicate texture. Its flavor is somewhat milder than regular green cabbages, having sweet and earthy undertones as well as hints of spice. It pairs perfectly with ingredients like walnuts and apples in unique salads. It’s also great roasted alongside other root vegetables for a rustic flavor combo. Or, you can try it slowly braised in broth for an offbeat take on hot soups.
7. Bok Choy
Bok choy, which derives from the Chinese term báicài, is a type of cabbage that’s known for its crunchy texture and mild taste. It also has an attractive appearance. When cut up, the white stalks contrast nicely against dark green leaves in a way that’s similar to celery. To serve bok choy raw in salads or sandwiches, chop it into bite-sized pieces. You can also sauté or steam it alongside protein and other vegetables as part of an entrée. If you ask me, bok choy usually tastes best when cooked with some garlic and ginger!
8. Tuscan Cabbage
Tuscan cabbage is a delicacy like no other in the vegetable kingdom. This crunchy, bright green variety of cabbage has an incredible taste that sets it apart from all other flavors. It’s sweet and delicate yet still incredibly flavorful! With its mild and slightly nutty flavor, you can experience something unique within this special cabbage. In terms of appearance, it has large, enveloping leaves with a distinct shape. This makes it look quite different from other types of cabbage. As for serving suggestions, you can use it as an ingredient in salads or toss it into stir-fries. Also, I love grilling it, as it really packs an interesting punch.
9. Kale
Kale is a vegetable that has been gaining in popularity over the last few years. It looks similar to lettuce, yet differs with its deeply ruffled leaves and dark green color. This botanical neighbor of broccoli is one very healthy vegetable. Its robust taste can be described as earthy and surprisingly sweet. Kale’s vitamins and minerals pack an impressive punch for our health, too. This leafy green is a great choice for salads and side dishes alike. And if you still haven’t been convinced, how about trying it as chips, soup, or even pesto? So get adventurous: try some crispy kale today!
10. Portuguese Cabbage
Portuguese cabbage is like no other type of cabbage. Its unique flavor and distinctive shape set it apart from regular cabbage, giving it a personality all its own. When cooked, it has a mild, slightly sweet taste and crunchy texture reminiscent of bell peppers. The variety’s vibrant look includes several layers of leafy outer leaves that fan in an almost symmetrical fashion around the center. It can be served as a stir-fry or sautéed vegetable dish. Portuguese cabbage offers an exotic twist on the standard greenish-white cabbage often encountered at the grocery store. This cabbage variety makes an excellent addition to salads, casseroles, and other favorite recipes.
11. Pointed Cabbage
Pointed cabbage is a firm and crunchy type of cabbage that boasts a beautiful appearance! Round and conical, it has long outward leaves that form the basic shape. Its unique structure is what sets it apart from regular cabbage. Short curls visible on the stem firm up its shape even more. It’s a great candidate for grilling or roasting, as well as in stews and salads. The latter is particularly suitable for showing off its distinct looks. However you serve it, you’re guaranteed to love it. The sweet and slightly peppery flavor fits right at home with so many dishes.
12. Parcel Cabbage
Parcel cabbage is an exotic and hybrid variety that has recently gained popularity among home cooks. It has a deep emerald green color and a pleasingly crunchy texture that makes it stand out from other types of cabbage. This unique blend of crunchiness and tenderness gives parcel cabbage a refreshingly bright taste. It’s similar to that of Napa cabbage but even milder. It’s perfect for constructing salads and stir-fries. Despite its mildly sweet flavor, parcel cabbage pairs wonderfully with bold flavors such as garlic and ginger. You can get creative in the kitchen while still keeping things simple. All in all, this veggie is a great way to add interest to your meal repertoire!
13. January King Cabbage
January king cabbage is a cabbage variety that’s been growing in popularity. Its name might make you think of royalty, but this cabbage is anything but regal. The flavor is very rustic. It has thick, bluish-green leaves on the outside and an emerald inner core. It’s slightly earthy, tangy, and tastes faintly of hazelnuts when cooked. It’s nuttier than regular cabbages and much heartier, too. It remains sturdily crisp long after it’s cooked. January king cabbage can be served raw or cooked, whether diced into salads or slowly simmered in soups and stews. The robust texture stands up beautifully to both preparations!
14. Brussels Sprouts
This small and mighty vegetable is actually a type of cabbage, but don’t let its similarities to other cabbage varieties fool you! Brussels sprouts have a distinct flavor and appearance that sets them apart. They can range anywhere from 1/2 inch to two inches in size, and their leaves form tight little heads resembling miniature cabbages. As far as taste goes, they will remind you of broccoli with a slightly nutty taste. Perfectly roasted with some olive oil and salt, they make an easy side dish packed full of flavor. However you choose to serve these powerhouses, they’ll certainly be a hit at any dinner table. Click on a star to rate it!
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