In this article, we’re going to cover everything you want to know about cabbage taste and texture, along with a few tips on how you can flavor it.
Let’s get started…
What Does Cabbage Taste Like?
While cooked cabbage can easily take on the flavor of the other ingredients it is mixed with, raw cabbage has a very easily identifiable and bitter taste.
There are different types of cabbage, and so it will tend to vary in flavor. While most is a little bitter, you can sometimes find cabbage that is a little sweet.
It tends to have a deep and lasting flavor, and one that will linger on your tongue, even when you are finished eating.
Cabbage Texture
Raw cabbage has a very tough and crunchy texture. This is why, when you are going to eat cabbage raw, you will want to make sure that you slice it very thinly, such as with coleslaw. The thinner the raw cabbage is, the easier it will be to eat.
Cooking cabbage will make it much more tender and easier to eat. While cooking cabbage for a short period of time or over low heat will help it to retain some of its crunch, it is easy to overcook it.
Overcooked cabbage is very soft.
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Does Cabbage Taste Like Lettuce?
It’s normal to assume that since cabbage and lettuce look so similar that they would also taste the same. Even though cabbage and lettuce both have multiple layers of bright green and large leaves, they do not taste anything alike.
Lettuce contains much more water than cabbage does, which makes it not only easier to chew, but also a bit softer. Additionally, while most cabbage is bitter, a head of lettuce is not.
What Does Red Cabbage Taste Like?
Many people are surprised to learn that red cabbage tastes the same as green cabbage, although the flavor is generally a little bit earthier and deeper. The texture and basic taste is the same, but there are some differences.
The main difference between the two is that red cabbage is full of antioxidants that provide the bright color. Additionally, red cabbage tends to take a little bit longer to cook.
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What Can I Add to Cabbage for Flavor?
Cabbage by itself can seem a little bland, which is why cooks are always looking for ways to improve its taste. There is a myriad of ways to cook cabbage, but some of the best seasonings to use are:
- Wine or broth
- Red pepper flakes
- Nutmeg
- Hot sauce
- Pad Thai sauce
In the above video you can see how easily you can spice up your cabbage with Jamaican spices that will give your cabbage a flavor boost.
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Traditional cabbage rolls are stuffed with meat, but in this video you will learn how to make vegan cabbage rolls that are filling and wrapped with perfectly cooked cabbage leaves.
Wrap up
Cabbage is an incredibly versatile vegetable, and one that can be used to make a number of delicious meals. No matter if you want to eat it raw in a slaw, cook it in a soup, or braise it, you can count on cabbage to impart a deep and delicious flavor to your meals.
If you like eating raw cabbage and other raw vegetables, check out our list of the best raw food cookbooks for vegans.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
