Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, many people discard the outer leaves of cabbage, thinking that they are too tough or bitter. In this article, we will explore five ways to use up outer cabbage leaves and reduce food waste.
1. Stuffed Cabbage:
Stuffed cabbage is a classic dish that is perfect for using up outer cabbage leaves. The leaves are parboiled to soften them, then filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs. The stuffed cabbage rolls are then simmered in a flavorful sauce until tender.
2. Kimchi or Sauerkraut:
Kimchi and sauerkraut are fermented cabbage dishes that are popular in Korean and German cuisine, respectively. Outer cabbage leaves are ideal for making kimchi or sauerkraut because they are tough and can withstand the fermentation process.
3. Spicy Japanese Cabbage:
Spicy Japanese cabbage is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a side dish or appetizer. The outer cabbage leaves are chopped and then simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce.
4. Cabbage Soup or Stew:
Cabbage soup or stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Outer cabbage leaves can be added to cabbage soup or stew to add bulk and flavor.
5. Slaw:
Slaw is a shredded cabbage salad that is often served as a side dish. Outer cabbage leaves can be used in slaw, but they should be shredded finely to ensure that they are tender.
Outer cabbage leaves are often discarded, but they can be used in a variety of dishes. By using up outer cabbage leaves, you can reduce food waste and save money.
Additional Tips:
- When using outer cabbage leaves, it is important to remove the tough veins.
- Outer cabbage leaves can be used in any recipe that calls for cabbage.
- Outer cabbage leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keywords: cabbage, outer leaves, food waste, stuffed cabbage, kimchi, sauerkraut, spicy Japanese cabbage, cabbage soup, stew, slaw, versatile, flavorful, healthy, easy, delicious.
So I made the decision to use the outer leaves to make cabbage rolls. My goodness they were fabulous. To be honest, I was taken aback because I hadn’t anticipated much. But they really did turn out great.
I was there, feeling proud of myself for utilizing my outer cabbage leaves. (This was about two weeks ago. When I went outside the other day, I was shocked to see that my Napa cabbage had bolted—a few days after it had begun as tiny buds, it had developed into tiny, yellow flowers.
Since it doesn’t seem hot enough to cause the cabbage to bolt—we’re still in the 50s here—I was genuinely shocked to see that it had. After doing some research online, I discovered that Napa cabbage typically bolts in the summer, regardless of temperature. In order to harvest my Napa cabbage in the fall (as opposed to overwintering it and harvesting it in the spring), I believe that I should plant it earlier the following year. Nevertheless, there I was, resolved once more to make sure my plant didn’t go to waste. I then harvested the entire bolted cabbage and finely chopped it for a slaw that included the flowers. Occasionally, after they’ve bolted, greens can taste bitter, but my cabbage tasted just as good. I topped some tacos with the slaw, and my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful Friday night supper.
At first I ignored them. Raw, they have a pretty strong cabbage flavor. And man are the leaves spikey. Rubbing your fingers against the outer leaves truly hurts. Eating the outer leaves didn’t seem very appealing at first. The problem with growing your own food, though, is that you put so much work into your plants that it kills you to let anything go to waste.
There you have it: two cabbage recipes to try when you never get a chance to harvest a real head of cabbage. .
Garden to Table Cooking Cabbage Leaves
FAQ
Is it okay to eat cabbage leaves?
What are the benefits of eating cabbage leaves?
Are cabbage raw leaves edible?
Can you eat the outer leaves of cabbage?
It’s completely safe to eat the outer leaves of cabbages, as all leaves are edible. And no, you won’t have to worry about the outer leaves tasting like bugs or whatever you have added to your soil or plants.
Can one eat a cabbage with pink or light brown inside leaves?
When a food is not showing its normal, natural characteristics, it is better to avoid consuming it. There are two common types of cabbage, one purple and one green. Cabbage color variation has to do with soil pH. But if a cabbage has pink or light brown inner leaves that differ from the outer color, it’s probably not good for consumption.
Can you eat cabbage leaves raw?
The answer is yes, you can eat the outer leaves of cabbage, both raw or cooked. The outer leaves of cabbage can be used in salads or to make coleslaw. You can also eat them as an alternative to lettuce. Cabbage leaves should be washed thoroughly before preparing or consuming them to ensure no dirt or insect residue remains.
Can you eat red cabbage leaves?
Yes, you can eat red cabbage leaves. Red cabbage has a slightly different taste than ordinary green cabbage. It has a peppery aftertaste when eaten raw, but it turns sweeter and softer after cooking. How to eat red cabbage, you ask? Simple, same as all other color cabbages.