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Napa
Cabbage
Is also referred to as Chinese cabbage and is a more
versatile cabbage than green cabbage. The flavor is sweeter than green
cabbage and it is rich in vitamin C and fiber. The leaves are
long and crispy and are an essential ingredient in stir fries as
well as soups and many other Asian dishes. Napa cabbage is the main
ingredient in Korean kimchi (fermented cabbage).
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napa cabbage: image by
channel
islands farm |
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History and Current Production |
The Napa
Cabbage is really Chinese Cabbage (from China) and dates back to the
fifth century A.D. It is believed to have been a naturally
hybridized cross between pak choi and a turnip. The plant did not
show up in Japan until the late 1800's but Japan has since produced many
hybrids.
Napa Cabbage is produced in the US primarily in California and Florida
to the tune of over 12,393 acres per year which is why it can be found
almost as easily as the common green cabbage.
There are two varieties most commonly found in the US. The most
common (show
above) is "Napa" cabbage and is stockier with crinkled outer leaves
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dark at the top and white towards the stem-end. The other type
found in the US is called "Michihli" which is long and slender with
ruffled top leaves.
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Uses and Tips |
Napa cabbage can be shredded and eaten in salads, steamed or added to
stir-fries. It is NOT necessarily a good replacement
for regular cabbage because it is delicate, bland and too "juicy" so
select it as a substitution carefully. |
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Use as a wrap for spring roll ingredients and
steam
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Steam the thicken white stem portion and serve
with a little bit of olive oil and white vinegar
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Use in Hot Pot recipes or add to your favorite
Sukiyaki
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Storage |
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Napa Cabbage stores well refrigerated. Do not wash
it first and place in a plastic bag. Store in the vegetable crisper for up to 2 weeks. When it is
at its freshest use it raw
in salads but as it gets older keep it for cooking only. |
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Where To Buy |
Napa Cabbage
can be found in most well-stocked grocery stores as well as in any Asian
market. |
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Napa Cabbage Recipes
Featured California Grower
Chanel
Island Farms - Growers of Asian and Domestic vegetables.
Channel Islands Farm, Inc. is named after the beautiful islands just off the
coast of Ventura County, California. The company is a grower and distributor
of fresh, California-grown Asian and Domestic vegetables. We grow our crops
year-round on the coastal plains of Ventura County with additional winter
acreage grown in the Imperial Valley during the months of November through
March.
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