In winter, the daily diet lacks fresh vegetables and, consequently, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The body demands support, especially during the infectious season. Savoy cabbage is an ingredient that is easily available in winter, stores well and does not lose its nutritional value. Although Poles associate it mainly with cabbage rolls or stewed dishes, it has much greater culinary and health potential.
Savoy cabbage belongs to the cabbage family and is closely related to white and red cabbage. It is distinguished by characteristic, wrinkled leaves of intense green color and more brittle structure. Its heads are looser and the leaves are slightly thinner, making them easier to process in cooking.
In the 16th century, it was very popular in Western Europe, especially in France and Italy. It also quickly found its place in Polish home cooking. It is a vegetable that tolerates low temperatures welland even light frosts, which makes it available today in late autumn and winter (i.e. when the selection of fresh vegetables decreases significantly). This allows you to smuggle the necessary vitamins and minerals into the body, which strengthen the immune system’s reaction in the event of a cold. That’s why it’s called winter vegetable for immunity.
The taste of savoy cabbage is milder and slightly sweetdevoid of the sharp note that is characteristic of white cabbage. Thanks to this it works great not only in cooked or stewed dishes, but also rawe.g. in salads. It is traditionally used in Polish cuisine for stuffed cabbage, stuffing, vegetable soups, stews and one-pot dishes. , which is why it is also baked more and more often. Additionally, it can be blanched or finely chopped as a base for light winter salads.
Savoy cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable – 100 g provides approximately 25-30 kcal, which makes it the right choice for people who care about a slim figure. Simultaneously contains a lot of fiber digestive system which supports intestinal function, improves peristalsis and promotes a feeling of satiety. This is especially important in winter, when it is more difficult to engage in regular activity and the diet can be heavier and more burdensome on the digestive system.
In terms of nutritional value Savoy cabbage provides vitamins C, K and B vitamins (including folic acid) and minerals, incl potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Presence antioxidantsincluding sulfur compounds typical for cruciferous vegetables, ensures anti-inflammatory and protective effects towards the body’s cells. Eating vegetables regularly can support cardiovascular health i help regulate cholesterol levels.
What else does eating savoy cabbage help with? First of all, it happens recommended in diets supporting immunity. Not only due to the content of vitamin C, but also the presence of bioactive compounds influencing the immune response. Vegetable also lightly detoxifies and naturally cleanses the body, improving, among others: liver function.
However, not everyone should eat savoy cabbage without any restrictions. People with thyroid diseases, especially hypothyroidism, should eat raw cruciferous vegetables in moderation. The vegetable may also cause flatulence in people with a sensitive digestive system or irritable bowel syndrome. In such cases, it is better to choose boiled or stewed form.
Although warming dishes are more popular in winter, fresh additions to dinner should also be included in the menu. They provide vitamins and add variety to the main course. Savoy cabbage is perfect as a base for winter saladsbecause it is more delicate than other varieties and does not require long-term preparation. Combined with simple ingredients, it creates a light and at the same time expressive addition to meat, fish or vegetable dishes. This savoy cabbage salad can be a quick and simple way to sneak in a portion of vegetables even on the busiest day.
Savoy cabbage salad for dinner
Ingredients:
- half a head of savoy cabbage,
- large carrot,
- pickled peppers (red and/or yellow),
- juice of half a lemon,
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil,
- salt and pepper.
How to do it:
1. Thinly chop the savoy cabbage (into small and short strips) and sprinkle with salt. Mix and knead a bit.
2. Peel the carrot and grate it on the small holes of a grater.
3. Drain the pickled peppers and cut them into small cubes or thin and short strips.
4. Mix the cabbage with carrots and peppers.
5. Squeeze the lemon juice and pour in the olive oil. Season with pepper to taste. Mix until ingredients are combined.
6. Set aside the savoy cabbage salad for a few minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
7. Serve with meat, fish or vegetarian dishes.
It is worth remembering that savoy cabbage is available when the body needs support the most. It provides vitamins and fiber without excess calories, and fits both traditional and modern cuisine. It can strengthen and improve immunity, improve digestion and support heart health. This is a vegetable that is always worth having on hand in winter.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl, kontakter.pl
