nab some napa cabbage

by Diane Lofshult

Food for Thought:

Also known as celery cabbage or Chinese cabbage, napa cabbage is mellower in taste than the pungent variety most people eat only on St. Patrick’s Day. Readers who frequent Korean restaurants are probably familiar with napa cabbage, which, when pickled, forms the base for a popular dish called kimchi.

Health Benefits. Like other cruciferous veggies, napa cabbage contains compounds called indoles, which may help prevent certain cancers from developing, according to preliminary research studies. A cup of napa cabbage contains small amounts of calcium, fiber and vitamin C.

Selecting the Best Product. Pick a head of cabbage that feels heavy for its size; ensure that it does not look dried out or cracked.

Cooking With Cabbage. Napa cabbage can be eaten raw if grated into a slaw. It can also be stir-fried, steamed and pickled.