Savoy cabbage is a versatile cabbage vegetable that even beginners in cooking can easily prepare. Just like other cabbage varieties, savoy cabbage is not only a particularly healthy and vitamin-rich side dish. The vegetable is also appreciated for its versatility as a main ingredient of vegetarian dishes. In the past, cabbage was considered a poor man’s food, but today the special significance of its health benefits is being rediscovered. Moreover, as a regionally available vegetable, it is fully in line with the trend of the times. Read here why the aromatic super vegetable is so healthy.
The healthy winter vegetable
Savoy cabbage is one of the vegetables that are available all year round. Therefore, the cabbage gets a special importance as a supplier of vitamins, especially in winter: People who value regional products cannot avoid savoy cabbage. Along with several other cabbage varieties, it is one of the classic winter vegetables, which even in earlier times helped to get people through the cold season in good health. Low in calories, but rich in chlorophyll, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins and especially vitamin C, savoy cabbage can be seen as a real health messenger. Among the ingredients contained in savoy cabbage are:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins
- Potassium
- Protein
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Flavonoids
- Carotenoids (provitamin A)
- Vitamin K
- Folic acid
- Mustard oil glycosides
Vitamin-rich and delicious
Vitamin C is especially important in winter, as it helps fight infections and strengthens the immune system. The content of vitamin C in savoy cabbage is high, and with a large portion can cover the daily needs of an adult. Folic acid and potassium are also present in larger quantities. These ingredients are important for cell formation and cell division, as well as the regulation of blood pressure. In addition, there are plenty of secondary plant compounds in savoy cabbage. The antioxidant, antibacterial and immune system-strengthening effect of these substances is of great importance in nutrition as a means of health prophylaxis. Also, the contained vitamin E protects cells from free radicals and is therefore considered ideal for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cancer. 4 Facts about savoy cabbage – congerdesign
Diet helper savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage is low in calories: With only about 25 kilocalories per 100 grams, savoy cabbage is therefore an ideal companion for a diet. The extremely low calorie content in combination with the vitamins and minerals contained allows you to eat your fill of the vegetable without a guilty conscience.
Purchase and storage of savoy cabbage
When buying savoy cabbage leaves should look crisp and fresh, its interface should look juicy. A good sign is if the cabbage head opens loosely and rustles when shaken. If there are dark spots or other discolorations, it is better to keep your hands off the cabbage. Organic quality is advisable to ensure that there are no residues of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. After purchase, savoy cabbage stored in a cool place in the refrigerator or cellar can keep for up to two weeks. However, the fresher you eat it, the higher the vitamin content. Savoy cabbage is also well suited for freezing. However, the leaves must be blanched in salted water beforehand. By the way, savoy cabbage tastes particularly aromatic in winter – savoy cabbage harvested in spring turns out comparatively milder. In contrast to autumn and winter savoy cabbage, early savoy cabbage can also be kept in the refrigerator for only a few days.
Savoy cabbage chips for a long shelf life
A variant of storage, which is particularly suitable for the friends of raw vegetables, is the preparation of savoy cabbage chips. For this purpose, the leaves are cut into small pieces and dried in the oven or dehydrator at a slight heat. They can be seasoned beforehand as desired. This creates a very healthy and special snack that will keep for a long time. Vegetables in winter
Savoy cabbage – the vegetarian all-rounder.
Savoy cabbage was originally used mainly as a stew vegetable. This has given rise to many other ways of preparing it. For example, the leaves of savoy cabbage are ideal for making stuffed vegetable roulades, but they also taste particularly good as a finely seasoned side dish. Savoy cabbage vegetables can be eaten both cooked and raw.The vitamin content makes it an ideal ingredient for a green smoothie when raw, and not only raw foodists will appreciate it.
Savoy cabbage cooking made easy
As healthy as savoy cabbage is, it’s also easy to prepare. Before cooking, the outer leaves and the stalk should be separated and the remaining leaves washed. It is better to cook the vegetable without a lid, so that it does not become bitter. By the way, a dash of vinegar in the cooking water should reduce the typical smell of cabbage.
Recipes with savoy cabbage
The leaves of savoy cabbage invite experimentation. They can be steamed, blanched or boiled and can also be used raw in salads or smoothies. However, because of the flatulent effect, the amount used should be kept low. Savoy cabbage can be used well in mashed or pureed form in stews, casseroles or soups. There are no limits to the possible combinations. Cooked together with potatoes, the classic savoy cabbage stew is created, which can be refined with meat, spices or other vegetables. Savoy cabbage tastes especially good with minced meat. A classic recipe for cabbage is savoy cabbage roulade stuffed with minced meat, also called cabbage roulade. But the healthy savoy cabbage is also used in many vegetarian recipes.
