What is Red Cabbage?

Red cabbage, also called purple cabbage, is a leafy vegetable from the cabbage family.  It typically comes as a head of cabbage, which is a ball of tight leaves.  Red cabbage has broad reddish-purple leaves with a thick white stem at the bottom of the head.  The leaves have a chewy texture when raw and a softer texture when cooked.  Fresh red cabbage should feel heavy with tight leaves around the head.

What Does Red Cabbage Taste Like?

Raw red cabbage tastes fresh and slightly peppery.  When cooked, red cabbage develops a sweeter flavor.

How Do You Eat Red Cabbage?

Eat red cabbage raw or cooked.  Make sure to thoroughly wash red cabbage before you use it.  Remove the thick stem holding the head of cabbage together and discard it.  Common uses for raw red cabbage include as a base for coleslaw and salads.  To cook red cabbage, consider trying to saute, braise, roast, or cook it in a slow cooker.  Foods that pair well with red cabbage include apples, vinegar, onions, and bacon.

Where Can You Buy Red Cabbage?

Look for heads of red cabbage in the chilled area of the produce section of the grocery store.  You can also find shredded red cabbage in bags or plastic containers near other salad mixes.

How Do You Store Red Cabbage?

Seal a head of red cabbage in a plastic bag.  Place the bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.  If you have already cut your cabbage, tightly wrap the remaining cabbage in plastic wrap.  Store the cabbage in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Fun Facts About Red Cabbage

Red cabbage looks purple due to a type of pigment.  This same pigment gives blueberries their color, too!

Did You Know?

You can use red cabbage juice to test if something contains acid.

Recipes Using Red Cabbage

Coleslaw

Use shredded vegetables for your coleslaw. Combine red cabbage, red onions, and carrots in a large bowl. Make a dressing out of apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the top of the coleslaw and serve chilled.

Red Cabbage Salad

Create a delicious salad with red cabbage as a base. Start by combining shredded red cabbage, sliced green apples, golden raisins, walnuts, and red onion in a bowl. Create a dressing using balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad and serve.

Lentil Red Cabbage Soup

Make a delicious warm soup for the whole family to enjoy. Add shredded red cabbage, lentils, red onion, leeks, carrots, vegetable broth, tomato juice, salt, pepper, and brown sugar into a stock pot. Stir the ingredients and simmer until vegetables are fork tender and the soup thickens.

Easy Sauteed Cabbage

Add butter and onions to a preheated skillet. Allow to cook for about 2 minutes, then add shredded red cabbage and apple cider vinegar. Allow cabbage to cook for about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Easy Roasted Red Cabbage

Make a tasty, crunchy side dish to go with any meat. Cut red cabbage into bite-sized pieces and coat in olive oil. Spread the red cabbage over a baking sheet and bake until crispy. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.