Chinese white cabbage, referred to as napa cabbage, has its origins near the Beijing region of China, and is one of the most popular cabbage vegetables in China. The napa leaves have a wonderful sweet, crunchy celery flavor. Other common names for this cabbage include celery cabbage and Peking cabbage.
Botanically, napa cabbage belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Directions
- Layer the shredded cabbage, watercress and orange segments in a salad bowl.
- Dress with Mint Honey Dressing and toss.
℞ M.D. Notes
- Napa cabbage is an abundant source of soluble and insoluble fiber along with many antioxidants, including carotenes, lutein, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates and zeaxanthin.
- It is an excellent source of folic acid. Sufficient folic acid in the diet of pregnant women helps prevent certain neural tube defects in newborns.
- It has high levels of vitamin C, which may help the body scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals. It is also a good source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine.