Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that many people use in their cuisines. It is considered a light vegetable and, in most cases; nutritionist recommends cabbage as a great option for weight loss.
The vegetable comes in green and purple, however, many people refer to the purple cabbage as red cabbage. They both are great essentials in the kitchen and can work on salads and other dishes.
But what if you only want one between the two? Which one would you go for? Red cabbage or green cabbage. In this guide, we learn about red cabbage vs green cabbage and their special qualities to help you choose.
Contents
Everything you need to know about red cabbage
Name: red cabbage
Family: brassica
Scientific name: Brassica Oleracea
Other names: blaukraut, purple cabbage
Color: dark red-purple
Red cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable that you can eat raw or cook it smoothly. Red cabbage has a distinct texture and flavor quite different from other cabbages. It has rounded and waxy leaves that are more like wraps.
Red cabbage has this peppery flavor, and the taste is more defined compared to other types of cabbages.
Many people enjoy red cabbage because of its lightweight, which makes it chewier. And because of the distinct flavor that is slightly sweet, many people love to consume it.
How to eat red cabbage: red cabbage like green cabbages are edible and so you can decide to eat them raw or cook them.
Many other ingredients can also complement red cabbage and give it this depth of flavor. Add these ingredients, eggs, cheeses, chilies, cream, and olive oil to enhance the taste.
Green vegetables are sumptuous when you have them and it is good to have them in your kitchen. Now let us learn about red cabbage.
Everything you need to know about Green cabbage
Name: green cabbage
Family: brassica
Scientific name: Brassica Oleracea
Other names: cannonball cabbage, white cabbage
Color: light green, pale green
Green cabbage is also a versatile vegetable with this many green leaves that are thick and broad. Many people use green vegetables as a substantial meal for weight loss, while others cannot do without having them in their meals.
Green cabbage offers this sweet, grassy flavor to any meal it is used in. Green cabbage is edible and although it is not always advisable to eat it raw, it is harmless. And even when it is time to cook the cabbage, it is not okay to cook it for a very long time.
The leaves are super firm and crunchy when they are raw and when you cook them or even use hot water on them it weakens the leaves making them tender. Apart from cooking, you can also stir-fry or roast the cabbage to get the best flavor.
How to eat green cabbage: since you cook, stir-fry, roast, and even eat green cabbage raw, you can enjoy it in many ways. You can decide to add some ingredients like citrus, mango, olive oil cream, or even cheese for some more crunchy feelings.
Green cabbage is also great in salads; add cream to enhance the taste of the meal when you want to relish it.
Similarities between red cabbage and green cabbage
Although red cabbage and green cabbage are not the same, both cabbages share many things in common. And this could contribute to you not knowing which cabbage to go for when it is time to cook.
Let us see these similarities:
- Both the red cabbage and green cabbage belong to the brassica family, and they have the same botanical name too.
- Both red cabbage and green cabbage contain vitamin A
- Both red and green cabbages have similar shapes
- You can use both cabbages interchangeably in many recipes
- Red and green cabbage are edible and can be eaten raw
- Both red cabbage and green cabbage are filled with almost every similar nutrient
Red Cabbage Vs Green Cabbage: 6 Key Differnces
Now let us see the difference between red cabbage and green cabbage
- Green cabbage is not as nutritious as red cabbage
- Red cabbage has a dark reddish-purple color, however, the green cabbage has this pale green color
- Green cabbage has this leafy yet mild taste; however, red cabbage has this slight peppery taste.
- Green cabbage has a firmer texture compared to red cabbage.
- Red cabbage is more miniature compared to green cabbage
- Although both are edible, red cabbage is better when you cook it.
Which should you choose: red cabbage vs green cabbage
So, when it is time to cook, and you are left to choose between red cabbage and green cabbage, what do you do?
First, simply identify the cabbage that best works for you. And your cooking would always depend on what you want for your meal. If you want to achieve this peppery taste, then go for red cabbage. However, if you want to have mild tastes, then go for green cabbage.
Read: 5 Best Substitutes For Savoy Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
Is red cabbage and green cabbage the same?
Although red cabbage and green cabbage share the same similarities, although they both are from the same family (brassica), they are not the same.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Red cabbage and green cabbage offer almost the same qualities in recipes. So, you can use red cabbage instead of green cabbage, however, this would be if you do not mind the color and taste, otherwise, you need a better option.
Read: Lima Beans Vs Fava Beans: 8 Key Differences
Conclusion
If you have always wanted to try out either red cabbage or green cabbage, then it is easier now, because, in this guide, we revealed all you need to know about red cabbage vs green cabbage.
It is not always easy choosing which ingredient to go in the kitchen, especially if the said ingredients share huge similarities.
However, you can be able to make your choice if you know the differences and the one that speaks to your need the most. This guide reveals the core difference between red cabbage and green cabbage.
Now is the time to make a choice. We hope you pick the right one!