Young cabbage: The vitamin powerhouse for your spring diet
We often serve young cabbage warm, stewed with butter and dill. Some people add a bit of bacon for flavor. However, there’s no need to limit yourself to just one version. The tender leaves, full of vitamins and folic acid, also taste great fresh. With simple additions and a sweet sauce, young cabbage becomes even healthier.
Starting in early May, you can buy young cabbage at vegetable shops and stalls. It is more delicate and sweeter than winter cabbage, and it's packed with vitamins and minerals. Young cabbage contains four times more vitamin C than sauerkraut. It's also rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and E, which contribute to better well-being and support a healthy appearance of skin and hair. The soft leaves are perfect for dishes like stuffed cabbage and bigos, but they are most beneficial to the body when eaten raw.
Young cabbage on a reductive diet
The amount of fiber in young cabbage is similar to that in winter cabbage, but due to its more delicate leaves, the young vegetable is much easier to digest. This means it doesn't strain the stomach and has a cleansing effect on the intestines, removing toxins and providing a feeling of fullness.
This type of cabbage contains more water, which effectively hydrates the body and reduces the frequency of snacking. Of course, the method of preparation is very important. On its own, cabbage contains only 24-40 calories per 3.5 ounces, but when combined with fatty meat, it can become a calorie bomb.
Recipe for young cabbage coleslaw
Below is a recipe with cucumber, but you can also mix the young cabbage with mandarin or orange for a flavorful twist.
Ingredients:
- Half a head of young cabbage
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Cut the young cabbage into thin strips and mix with cucumber slices.
- Add the chopped dill and chives.
- In a cup, combine the olive oil with honey and lemon juice.
- Mix the coleslaw with the sauce using two forks.
