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Cabbages are a whole extended family, the vast majority of which are part of the group of Brassicaceae or brassicas. They make up a large number of very different species, among which flower cabbages, leaf cabbages and even root cabbages can be distinguished, depending on the part of the plant that we consume. Although some of them are known for their sometimes unpleasant smell when cooked, they are a very beneficial and healthy food.
If you want to learn more about the varieties of cabbages that exist in various parts of the world, join us in this curious Green Ecologist article in which you will see 13 types of cabbages, their names, characteristics and photos.
Cabbage types - list of names
As a summary, this is a list of names of cabbage types which we will explain later:
- Cabbage kale.
- Bok choy or Chinese cabbage.
- Red cabbage.
- Cabbage.
- Kale or kale.
- Brussels sprouts.
- Cauliflower.
- Broccoli.
- Romanesco.
- Bimi.
- Kohlrabi or nabicol.
- Kohlrabi or cabbage radish.
- Komatsuna Mizuna.
Kale cabbage
The kale It's one of the types of kale most popular currently. Until relatively recently this variety was used mainly for feeding animals, but today it is included in a multitude of dishes and diets, especially detox or vegan. It is low in calories and rich in minerals.
Bok choy or Chinese cabbage
The cabbage bok choy, or also known as Chinese cabbageIt is a variety that has its origin in the East and is increasingly spreading through Western gastronomy. Its expansion is especially active in northern Europe, since bok choy withstands low temperatures very well.
Red cabbage
The red cabbage It is very characteristic for its purple. This is one of the cabbage varieties richer in antioxidants and is very beneficial for eye health. It is common to consume it in salads and also in the preparation of some recipes with a bittersweet flavor.
Cabbage
Cabbages of this type are leaf sprouts that give rise to closed buds of great density. There are cabbages of different types, such as curly leaf, Milan or white cabbage. They can be consumed both cooked and raw in salad and it is usual to preserve them in vinegar or fermented. As with many vegetables, the nutritional qualities of cabbages it is raw.
Kale or kale
The collard greens or kale It has its origin in the Mediterranean and includes different varieties of cabbage that do not form closed heads, as occurs with cabbage. It is widely consumed in southern Europe, and they are used to consuming it boiled, sautéed or stewed. Its nutrients are best used by gently steaming them. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Brussels sprouts
The Brussels sprouts It is a variety of which its shoots are mainly consumed, small and compact. It is a food widely used in diets and weight loss processes, since its caloric content is barely 45 kcal per 100 grams, and instead it does provide a large amount of mineral salts and vitamins to the body. Its optimal consumption is cooked in stews, in combination with other legumes or vegetables, or as an accompaniment to baked fish.
Cauliflower
What is consumed from cauliflower is its large inflorescence, white and fleshy, which needs to be boiled or cooked in some other way, although its green and tender sprouts can be eaten raw. Its characteristics and texture make it a great ingredient in conjunction with soups or creams, such as béchamel.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another flower cabbage, although it is clearly distinguished from cauliflower by the marked green tone of its inflorescence, especially at the ends of the flowers. Its usual consumption is both raw, boiled or steamed, although an excess of heat in its preparation eliminates a good part of its beneficial components. It has an intense flavor and is often combined with sauces or purees. It is considered a superfood.
Romanesco
Other flower cabbage which is halfway between the two mentioned above. The romanesco cabbage It combines characteristics of both cauliflower and broccoli and stands out for its particular inflorescences in the shape of a fractal geometry. It is very popular in the preparation of salads or to give a decorative touch to some dishes.
Bimi
The cabbage bimi is a hybrid variety of cabbage of recent appearance and that can still be difficult to find in some supermarkets. It was developed in the 90s in Japan and stands out for its high concentration of nutrients, dietary fiber, proteins and mineral salts, superior to those of other cabbages.
Kohlrabi or nabicol
It is also a type of cabbage with a somewhat strange name. It is one of the cabbages considered root and that is given by a cross between turnips and cabbages and there are white and purple. The kohlrabi or nabicol It is a difficult product to digest due to the high percentage of fiber it contains, but it is incorporated in countless recipes due to its characteristic flavor, especially in stews and broths. In Japan, its fermented or pickled is common, like that of the normal turnip, which is made there with the tsukemono technique.
Kohlrabi or cabbage radish
Other root cabbage typeIt is red or whitish in color and has a somewhat spicy flavor, which is included fresh and finely chopped in salads or prepared in creams or broths. It is a type of cabbage very little known, as it is a hybrid between cabbages and radishes, which belong to the Crucifers. The kohlrabi or cabbage radish It is grown mainly in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
Also, if you like radishes, we want to encourage you to discover this guide on How to plant radishes and grow them.
Komatsuna Mizuna
It is commonly called "japanese spinach", since its appearance is strongly reminiscent of this plant but it is a cabbage type. Its youngest leaves are mainly consumed, as well as its stems and flower buds. It is common to add it in stir-fries or salads, as well as canned vinegar and salt, which is added to soups.
If you liked discovering these 13 types of cabbageWe also recommend you to know the garden cabbage, which we consume but is used as a decorative plant, with this other post on How to care for garden or ornamental cabbage. On the other hand, if you have read this article because you are thinking of planting cabbages in your garden, we recommend this other article on What to plant in an urban garden, from which you can get more ideas.
If you want to read more articles similar to Cabbage types, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
