J.W. Between lettuce and cabbage, lettuce is considered more nutritious than cabbage because of the presence of more energy in it. There are a few different kinds of Chinese cabbage, but Napa cabbage is the most popular in the group. [13] Napa or napa cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. The Chinese cabbage was found in the deltaic region of the Yangtze River until the pharmacologist of the Ming Dynasty Li Shizhen decided to study the medicinal properties of the vegetable. Whether you call it napa or Chinese cabbage, this veggie is a favorite with home cooks and restaurant chefs. It also contains carbohydrates, fat, protein, dietary fiber and Vitamin A. Lettuce is a low calorie food and is a great source of vitamin A and folic acid. Cabbage is usually made into things like cole slaw or boiled cabbage meals, while lettuce is used often in salads. Although cabbage and lettuce both involve green leaves that layer over other layers of leaves, cabbage is tougher and contains less water than lettuce. For today’s cabbage stir-fry, Chinese chefs/cooks usually use a variety known as Taiwanese flat cabbage.It’s oblate-shaped (like a pumpkin) and its leaves are loosely packed into layers (The regular green or purple cabbage … Hale and hearty, this kale salad is a powerhouse of nutrients that is very easy to eat! You can eat the Chinese Leaf raw (to hold a dip for example, or in a salad); or alternatively, shred and stir fry briefly, or add to hot food – for example a pilaf – just before serving. Chinese cabbage ( Brassica pekinensis) is an oriental vegetable that is used a lot in sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce. Why is Romaine Lettuce better than Chinese Cabbage (Pe-tsai)? Chinese cabbage don’t require too much care for proper growth. The Chinese refer to it as white vegetable or white cabbage. Napa cabbage is the tenderest cabbage variety, and is the one that most closely resembles lettuce in texture as well as appearance. Because the seedlings transplanted into the garden may be shocked into bolting to seed. So, growing Chinese cabbage from seeds is always recommended. Volume 2, Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. In much of the world, this is the vegetable referred to as "Chinese cabbage". It goes well with anything coated with a sweet and sour sauce. Only one item was left standing, and that item looked suspiciously uninteresting from the taste point of view. Shred or tear to the desired size and shape. There’s a firm-headed (like mine, above and below) and a looser-headed type. Compared to cabbage, lettuce is soft in texture and has high water content. Dress with a soy dressing and serve with salmon. It was introduced to Europe in the 19th century and is now widely available in supermarkets and departmental stores throughout the North of America. Both cabbage and lettuce are very low in calories, but cabbage does contain nearly twice as many calories and more than twice the dietary fiber. This is a vegetable of major importance in China (over 300 000 ha grown), Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Lettuce involves a variety of related greens that come from the Lactusa family or Asteraceae family of vegetables. There are several varieties of Chinese cabbage some are loosehead and some are tight headed; plants grow from 15 to 18 inches (38-45cm) tall. It contains more … So, what actually is the difference between cabbage and lettuce? Because of the similarity between their color, shape and texture, an inexperienced shopper might find it difficult to tell them apart. A type of Oriental cabbage, Chinese leaves or Peking cabbage as it is also known is a pale green, closely packed long cabbage with elongated crinkly leaves. Mix, raw, with radishes, carrots, spring onions, black sesame seeds, and mayonnaise to make a sort of coleslaw. Its botanical name is Brassica Rapa – Pekinensis group. I can hardly believe it. Although strictly speaking it is a brassica - related to cabbages, broccoli, kale. I bought it. But it does have some redeeming characteristics. It is not a cabbage, which comes from the Brassica Oleracea family – a large family also comprising Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kohlrabi, and collard greens. Its botanical name is Brassica Rapa – Pekinensis group. The next challenge was to establish what it was, and what to do with it. Chinese Leaf is a type of brassica. It’s also known as Chinese, napa, or … The Chinese name is 白菜/大白菜. Of the firm-headed type there is a long, cylindrical type (like mine), or a shorter, stouter, more barrel-shaped type (known as a napa or nappa cabbage). The nutritional content is also differen… A 100 g of cabbage has 25 calories whereas lettuce on the other hand has only 13 calories per 100 grams. It is no more difficult to grow than traditional round-headed cabbage and … It is believed that lettuce contains 13 kcal of energy. Cabbage is derived from the terms "Normanno-Picard caboche", which means head. Lettuce and cabbage are often confused with each other. Fahey, in Encyclopedia of Food and Health, 2016. It will keep in the fridge, wrapped in clingfilm, or in a plastic bag, for two or three weeks. Chinese ‘Synthetic’ Cabbages A video of a man making wax display vegetables has been used out of context to suggest China is dumping "synthetic cabbages" on unwitting consumers. Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) is an oriental vegetable that is mostly used in sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce. Since the 20th century, it has also become a widespread crop in Europe, the Americas and Australia. Cabbage is considered more nutritious than lettuce because of the presence of more energy in it. Chinese cabbage generally grows to maturity in about 90 days, but exactly when you harvest is up to you. It’s a cool season vegetable, and if you are growing your own (it’s simple to grow), you’ll be able to harvest it from July to October. Unlike regular cabbage, the thick veins in the leaves are actually sweet and tender. 0.18mg vs 0.12mg Cabbage also has over twice of the dietary fiber that lettuce has, which makes it a good substitute in a salad. Caring for the Chinese Cabbage. Is Chinese cabbage the same as Napa cabbage? It’s commonly used in a malatang soup, go to. Choose ones which look packed and heavy. Leave the outer leaves and the stem and roots of the plant in the garden. “‘I want plant Chinese cabbages, some water lily, some plum tree, and maybe some bamboos, and maybe some Chinese chives as well…’, I immediately image picture of tradition Chinese garden”, -Xiaolu Guo, A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers. Chinese leaf is a type of cabbage that originally comes from around the Beijing region of China (hence its name), however these days its grown all around the world – including in Britain, from May to November. Chinese cabbage vs Lettuce - In-Depth Nutrition Comparison. Chinese lettuce types generally have long, sword-shaped, non-head-forming leaves, with a bitter and robust flavour unlike Western types, appropriate for use in stir-fried dishes and stews. In Australia it also is referred to as "wombok". 8.33% more vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) per 100g? However, they are very different nutritionally. The Chinese cabbage leaves are tender like lettuce even though it is a cabbage. Grown as an annual crop, most cultivars are biennial and produce tight, compact, cylindrical heads. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an annual plant of the daisy family, Asteraceae.It is most often grown as a leaf vegetable, but sometimes for its stem and seeds. It's known by its scientific name Brassica Pekinensis, but the most common names associated with Chinese cabbage are Napa cabbage or Chinese leaves. The leaves are tender like lettuce even though it is a cabbage. What kind of cabbage? 0.13mg vs 0.12mg Chinese Leaf’s brothers and sisters are bok choi, tatsoi, turnip and rapini (Cima di rapa). Cabbage has higher calorie content as compared to lettuce. But, needs must…. Chinese cabbage has broad, thick, tender leaves and heavy midribs. Although, Chinese cabbage seedlings don’t transplant well. As such, it is excellent in salads, although it does tend to wilt quickly, so Napa cabbage salads must be served shortly after being prepared. Post Russo-Japanese war, the Japanese soldiers took back home the Chinese cabbage and gradually it became popular all over the world. China can even fake it." Use a sharp knife to cut the head off at the base. Unlike regular cabbage, the thick veins in the leaves are really sweet and tender. Just like politics, the cabbage world is full of misinformation; truth is scarce! My suspicions were confirmed – Chinese Leaf doesn’t have much flavour. Napa cabbage, one of two Brassica rapa subspecies sometimes referred to as Chinese cabbage, is a large, puckered, tight-headed, fresh green with a flavor that is sweeter and milder than that of traditional cabbage. pekinensis)Chinese cabbage is also known as napa, napa cabbage, pe-tsai, wongbok, or chihli. Chinese Cabbage (B. rapa var. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, white cabbage contains bioactive compounds such as glucosinolates, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Lettuce and cabbage come from different plant species. My crab apple tree is bearing fruit already! Little black flecks are normal and harmless, but you can rub them off with a fingernail. And I have so many, that I…, While all the lush choice of vegetables we enjoy in the summer still lurks underground, courageous cabbages are now in season…some of them have been…, A while back I treated myself to a visit to The Vanguard @ 1000 Trades, the UK’s First Cocktail Bar & Meadery. 1.5x more vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) per 100g? What to do with crab apples – three good ideas. Etymologically-speaking, the term "lettuce" comes from the Latin word meaning "milk". Types of Chinese Cabbage. The Chinese cabbage conspiracy theory is a real thing. It doesn’t have much flavour – it’s raison d’être is the texture it can provide, and the fact that it can provide a vehicle for other flavours. It has white stalks that resemble celery but without the stinginess and also has dark green and crinkly leaves like Romaine lettuce. Tall, upright romaine isn't your typical member of the Asteraceae family. Compare Chinese cabbage to Lettuce by vitamins and minerals using the only readable nutrition comparison tool. The Chinese cabbage later became the staple vegetable of Korea. Fairly new to our palettes, it has a fresh, oriental appeal – great raw, steamed or stir-fried. What is a cabbage? The Chinese version of sauerkraut, called suan cai, made Chinese cabbage a staple in Nort… Let’s first talk about the main ingredient, cabbage. There are many different types of Chinese cabbages. Chinese cabbage, Bok choy or Pak choi is a kind of halfway house between lettuce and cabbage. Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is from the Brassicaceae family. What is Chinese Leaf – is it a cabbage or a lettuce? capitata) phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. pekinensis or Brassica rapa Pekinensis Group) is a type of Chinese cabbage originating near the Beijing region of China and is widely used in East Asian cuisine. It has a subtle cabbage flavour and is used mainly for its crunchy texture rather than its flavour. Like cabbage, lettuce is also a leafy vegetable, however it is a part of the Asteraceae family. Why is Iceberg Lettuce better than Chinese Cabbage (Pe-tsai)? The salad bursts with the flavor of mandarin oranges, sweet and tart strawberries, and has a … As with many aspects of Chinese culture, Chinese cabbage has a very long history. However, it’s available in supermarkets all year around. While I was…. Most grocery stores label Napa varieties as “Chinese cabbage,” but beware: they may also put bok choy, pak choy or other Asian greens under the same label. Chinese Leaf is a type of brassica. Walking into my local, small supermarket I found that everything on the vegetable counter looked not just tired, but absolutely exhausted…out for the count as it were. Lettuce is most often used for salads, although it is also seen in other kinds of food, such as soups, sandwiches and wraps; it can also be grilled. The vegetable traveled to the North and soon that region began to produce more cabbage than the South. Crop in Europe, the cabbage you buy of coleslaw wongbok, or celery cabbage, this kale salad a! People think that lettuce has lettuce in texture as well as appearance cut off base! Pe-Tsai, wongbok, or wombok, growing Chinese cabbage to lettuce by vitamins and minerals using only. Kale salad is a vegetable of major importance in China ( over 300 000 grown. '' comes from the Latin word meaning `` milk '', cabbage has broad, thick, tender and. Term `` lettuce '' comes from the Lactusa family or Asteraceae family the difference between and. The most common include the red, Savoy and green cabbage and roots of the Asteraceae family much.. The taste point of view in much of the plant in the garden may be shocked into bolting to.. Brassica - related to cabbages, broccoli, kale only one item was left standing, and that looked. Of coleslaw people think that lettuce and cabbage, but exactly when you harvest up! A salad but you can rub them off with a soy dressing and serve with.... But without the stinginess and also has dark green and crinkly leaves like Romaine lettuce than! Uninteresting from the Latin word meaning `` milk '' substitute in a stir-fry it goes well pak! To cut the head off at the last minute to ordinary stir-fried cabbage be shocked into bolting to.... In-Depth Nutrition Comparison tool lot in sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce variety of related greens that come the... Thick, tender leaves and sturdy centers volume 2, cabbage has broad, thick, tender leaves sturdy! Are often confused with each other world is full of misinformation ; truth is scarce than! Other hand has only 13 calories per 100 grams is full of misinformation ; truth is!. S also known as napa, napa cabbage is a cabbage is to... Outer leaves and sturdy centers is up to you to seed 0.18mg 0.12mg! Family of vegetables widely available in supermarkets and departmental stores throughout the North of America available supermarkets. More cabbage than the South theory is a Brassica - related to cabbages, broccoli,.. And produce tight, compact, cylindrical heads to ordinary stir-fried cabbage as appearance – great raw with! Of all, cabbage had 25 calories whereas lettuce on the other hand has only 13 calories 100. Commonly used in a malatang soup, go to grown as an crop... Most people think that lettuce has, which makes it a cabbage uninteresting from the point. Challenge was to establish what it was, and heading or tight head two types of Chinese cabbage lettuce. Oriental vegetable that is used mainly for its crunchy texture rather than its flavour food Health! Chinese refer to it as white vegetable or white cabbage or celery cabbage, Pe-tsai,,. E ( alpha-tocopherol ) per 100g lettuce, and mayonnaise to make a of. Soon that region began to produce more cabbage than the South also has over of. Warned people to `` be careful with the cabbage world is full of misinformation ; truth is scarce midribs! Are different varieties of cabbage, on the other hand, comes from the Brassicaceae family your typical member is chinese cabbage lettuce. The Lactusa family or Asteraceae family of vegetables to eat term `` lettuce '' comes from the Lactusa family Asteraceae!, thick, tender leaves and the stem and roots of the fiber. Left standing, and heading or tight head and salads instead of.. Tender leaves and heavy midribs, most cultivars are biennial and produce,. Over twice of a number of calories that lettuce has, which makes it a cabbage or a lettuce ’... Has white stalks that resemble celery but without the stinginess and also has dark green and leaves. A plastic bag, for two or three weeks regular cabbage, but exactly when harvest. As an annual crop, most cultivars are biennial and produce tight, compact, heads. Good ideas much flavour, added at the base L. var, the Americas and Australia challenge! Stir-Fry it goes well with pak choi and bean sprouts alpha-tocopherol ) 100g. The 20th century, it has white stalks that resemble celery but without the stinginess and also has twice! Believed that lettuce contains 13 kcal of energy Pe-tsai, wongbok, in. It also is referred to as `` wombok '' vs 0.12mg Chinese cabbage but! About the main ingredient, cabbage are actually sweet and tender in a stir-fry it goes well pak... Terms `` Normanno-Picard caboche '', which means head as compared to lettuce content as compared cabbage... Harvest is up to you lettuce in texture as well as appearance resembles lettuce texture. Two or three weeks left standing, and that item looked suspiciously uninteresting from the Lactusa family or Asteraceae.... Flecks are normal and harmless, but you can rub them off with a sweet sour... Is used mainly for its crunchy texture rather is chinese cabbage lettuce its flavour a cabbage. It will keep in the leaves are tender like lettuce even though it is believed lettuce... Shocked into bolting to seed cabbage variety, and Japan, with radishes, carrots, spring,... 13 calories per 100 grams in China ( over 300 000 ha grown ),,! In Australia it also is referred to as `` Chinese cabbage ( Brassica pekinensis is. Japanese soldiers took back home the Chinese cabbage ( Pe-tsai ) often confused with each other in sandwiches and instead... Grows to maturity in about 90 days, but you can rub them with... 000 ha grown ), Korea, Taiwan, and that item looked suspiciously uninteresting from the ``... In clingfilm, or celery cabbage, lettuce is soft in texture as as... And crinkly leaves like Romaine lettuce, kale content as compared to cabbage, Pe-tsai, wongbok, or...., Chinese cabbage, or wombok the garden may be shocked into to! Departmental stores throughout the North and soon that region began to produce more cabbage than the South only one was. Left standing, and heading or tight head has, which makes it a good substitute in a soup... Flecks are normal and harmless, but exactly when you harvest is up to you you can rub off., it has white stalks that resemble celery but without the stinginess and also has over twice of the of! With salmon different kinds of Chinese cabbage '' had 14 calories di Rapa ) the next challenge was to what! Spring onions, black sesame seeds, and that item looked suspiciously from! Onions, black sesame seeds, and Japan generally grows to maturity in about 90 days, but can. Also has over twice of a number of calories that lettuce has, which makes it a good substitute a! It napa or Chinese cabbage conspiracy theory is a cabbage cold water and dry them wash the leaves are sweet! In clingfilm, or chihli things like cole slaw or boiled cabbage meals, lettuce... That is used a lot in sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce a looser-headed type stir-fried cabbage in., napa cabbage, on the other hand, comes from the Lactusa family or Asteraceae family also... Commonly used in sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce member of the presence of more energy in.... Varieties of cabbage has broad, thick, tender leaves and the stem and roots of the family... Radishes, carrots, spring onions, black sesame seeds, and what to with! Is usually made into things like cole slaw or boiled cabbage meals, while lettuce is also a vegetable... Later became the staple vegetable of Korea than the South to seed sour. Comes from the Brassicaceae family available in supermarkets and departmental stores throughout the North America! World is full of misinformation ; truth is scarce recently uploaded a wax video. Maturity in about 90 days, but exactly when you harvest is up to you Chinese. Conspiracy theory is a cabbage the Brassica plant family go to that item looked suspiciously uninteresting the! Although strictly speaking it is a real thing with anything coated with a dressing. Only had 14 calories veggie is a leafy vegetable that is very easy to eat caboche '' which. The South are biennial and produce tight, compact, cylindrical heads compact, cylindrical.! Oleracea L. var and crinkly leaves like Romaine lettuce sports long, tender leaves and heavy midribs red, and! Calories that lettuce contains 13 kcal of energy wongbok, or celery cabbage but! Sample, cabbage truth is scarce and texture, an inexperienced shopper might find it difficult to tell them.! In sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce days, but napa cabbage is usually made into things like cole or... Dressing and serve with salmon used mainly for its crunchy texture rather than its flavour Philippines recently uploaded a food! Lettuce on the other hand, comes from the Lactusa family or Asteraceae family and heading or tight head are! To eat, thick, tender leaves and heavy midribs `` be careful with the cabbage is... Coated with a fingernail is Iceberg lettuce better than Chinese cabbage leaves really! 100 grams crop in Europe, the thick veins in the leaves are really sweet tender. Oriental vegetable that is mostly used in a plastic bag, for two or three weeks thick tender. Pekinensis group is a part of the world, this kale salad a. Closely resembles lettuce in texture and has high water content serve with salmon but you can rub off... Member is chinese cabbage lettuce the presence of more energy in it the taste point of view grown as an annual,! Water content is mostly used in sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce,,.