Savoy Cabbage

Savoy cabbage, also known as curly cabbage or crinkled cabbage, is a versatile and nutritious leafy vegetable that is widely used in cooking around the world. With its unique texture, mild flavor, and high nutritional value, Savoy cabbage can be a fantastic addition to a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to stir-fries and salads. In this article, we will explore the many facets of Savoy cabbage as a cooking ingredient, including its culinary uses, health benefits, cooking tips, nutrition facts, storage instructions, and a persuasive closing remark on why you should consider incorporating this wonderful vegetable into your culinary repertoire.

Savoy cabbage belongs to the Brassica oleracea family, which also includes other popular vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. It is characterized by its crinkled leaves that are dark green in color, with a distinctive wrinkled texture that sets it apart from other types of cabbage. The leaves are loosely packed and have a tender and delicate texture, making them ideal for cooking in a variety of ways.

Savoy cabbage is believed to have originated in Italy and has been cultivated for centuries in various regions of Europe. Today, it is widely grown in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia, and is readily available in most grocery stores and farmers’ markets throughout the year.

Health benefits of Savoy Cabbage

• Rich in Vitamin C: Savoy cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and supports overall health.
• High in Fiber: Savoy cabbage is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports weight management.
• Low in Calories: Savoy cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable, making it a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake. One cup of chopped Savoy cabbage contains only about 45 calories, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals.
• Good source of Vitamin K: Savoy cabbage is a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting.
• Provides Nutrients: Savoy cabbage is also a good source of other essential nutrients, including vitamin B6, manganese, folate, and potassium, which are important for overall health and well-being.

International dishes that use Savoy Cabbage

Italian Minestrone Soup: Savoy cabbage can be added to a classic Italian minestrone soup, along with other vegetables, beans, and pasta, for a hearty and nutritious meal.

Irish Colcannon: Savoy cabbage can be sautéed and mixed with mashed potatoes, butter, and scallions to make a traditional Irish dish called colcannon, which is a comforting side dish.

Chinese Stir-Fry: Savoy cabbage can be thinly sliced and stir-fried with other vegetables, meats, and seasonings in a Chinese-style stir-fry, adding crunch and flavor to the dish.

Russian Golubtsy: Savoy cabbage leaves can be blanched, filled with a mixture of meat and rice, and baked in a tomato sauce to make a Russian dish called golubtsy, which is a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Greek Stuffed CGrape Leaves: Savoy cabbage leaves can also be used as a substitute for grape leaves in Greek cuisine. They can be blanched and stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, then rolled up and baked in a lemony tomato sauce to make delicious and tangy stuffed cabbage rolls.

French Choucroute Garnie: Savoy cabbage can be used in the traditional French dish called choucroute garnie, where it is fermented with salt and spices to make sauerkraut, then cooked with various types of sausages, smoked meats, and potatoes for a flavorful and hearty meal.

Indian Cabbage Curry: Savoy cabbage can be shredded and cooked with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk to make a flavorful cabbage curry in Indian cuisine, which can be served with rice or bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Mexican Tacos: Savoy cabbage can be used as a crunchy and refreshing topping for tacos in Mexican cuisine. It can be shredded and tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and other toppings to add a fresh and crunchy texture to the tacos.

Japanese Okonomiyaki: Savoy cabbage can be shredded and mixed with a batter made from flour, eggs, and dashi to make a Japanese-style cabbage pancake called okonomiyaki. It can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as pork, shrimp, or cheese, and drizzled with a tangy sauce for a unique and delicious dish.

Irish Colcannon

Cooking tips:

• Selecting and storing Savoy cabbage: Choose Savoy cabbage heads that are firm and heavy for their size, with crisp and vibrant green leaves. Avoid heads with wilting or yellowing leaves, as they may be less fresh. Store Savoy cabbage in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or placed in a plastic bag, for up to a week.
• Preparing Savoy cabbage: Remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged, then rinse the head of the cabbage under cold water. To separate the leaves, gently pull them away from the core or use a knife to cut them out. Savoy cabbage leaves can be used whole, chopped, or shredded, depending on the recipe.
• Cooking Savoy cabbage: Savoy cabbage can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, sautéing, stir-frying, baking, or even grilling. It has a tender texture that softens when cooked, but it still retains a slight crunch, making it a versatile vegetable for different cooking methods. Be careful not to overcook Savoy cabbage, as it can become mushy.
• Adding Savoy cabbage to soups and stews: Savoy cabbage can be added to soups, stews, and braises, where it adds a mild sweetness and a slightly tangy flavor. It can be added toward the end of cooking to retain its texture and color.
• Sautéing or stir-frying Savoy cabbage: Savoy cabbage can be quickly sautéed or stir-fried with garlic, ginger, or other aromatics, for a simple and delicious side dish. Cook it over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it wilts slightly but still retains its crunch.
• Stuffing Savoy cabbage leaves: Savoy cabbage leaves can be blanched in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them, then used to wrap fillings such as meat, rice, or vegetables. Secure the leaves with toothpicks or kitchen twine before cooking.
• Seasoning Savoy cabbage: Savoy cabbage can be seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, and condiments, depending on
• the desired flavor profile. Common seasonings for Savoy cabbage include salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and lemon juice. Experiment with different combinations of seasonings to create your own unique recipes.
• Pairing Savoy cabbage with other ingredients: Savoy cabbage pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, such as bacon, sausage, mushrooms, onions, carrots, potatoes, apples, cheese, and nuts. It can be used in a variety of cuisines and culinary styles, from hearty stews to light salads.

Nutrition facts (per 100g of raw Savoy cabbage):

Calories: 27

Carbohydrates: 6g

Fiber: 2.2g

Protein: 1.4g

Fat: 0.2g

Vitamin C: 48mg (80% DV)

Vitamin K: 85.5mcg (107% DV)

Folate: 43mcg (11% DV)

Calcium: 48mg (5% DV)

Iron: 0.5mg (3% DV)

Potassium: 257mg (7% DV)

Storage instructions:

• Store Savoy cabbage in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or placed in a plastic bag, to prevent it from drying out and wilting.
• Avoid washing Savoy cabbage before storing, as excess moisture can promote spoilage.
• Use Savoy cabbage within a week of purchase for the best flavor and texture.
• If you have leftover cooked Savoy cabbage, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

In conclusion, Savoy cabbage can elevate your cooking with its tender texture, mild sweetness, and slightly tangy flavor. With its numerous health benefits, such as being a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, Savoy cabbage is a fantastic addition to any diet. Whether you use it in soups, stir-fries, salads, or international dishes like stuffed cabbage rolls or choucroute garnie, Savoy cabbage can bring delicious and nutritious flavors to your meals. So why not give Savoy cabbage a try in your next culinary adventure and enjoy the benefits of this fantastic ingredient? Happy cooking!