German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) - The Daring Gourmet (2024)

FAQs

Is rotkohl good for you? ›

Next to Vitamin C, you can find carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and kaempferol in cabbage. Anthocyanin has proven to be beneficial for your heart health. A study showed that the consumption of this plant compound may significantly lower your risk of heart attacks, and may also lower your blood pressure levels.

It's sweet and sour flavor comes from brown sugar, vinegar and apple. Whole cloves add to its unique flavor and aroma. For a complete meal make German Red Cabbage with Rouladen and Spaetzle. It's also great served with bratwurst and boiled yellow potatoes or our traditional potato salad .

Rotkohl and Blaukraut are often used synonymously, but they are actually two different dishes. Rotkohl always has among its ingredients an acid (vinegar), which keeps the cabbage red. Recipes for Blaukraut do not include an acid, which results in a much bluer end product.

Radicchio, the bitter vegetable that is often mistaken for colorful lettuce or red cabbage, is actually a type of chicory. In fact, it's often called Italian chicory because of its prominent position in Italian cooking.

May support heart health

There is growing evidence that anthocyanins play a positive role in cardiovascular health and that those who eat foods rich in them (like red cabbage) have a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease-related death.

Even though cabbage will not burn fat from your body, it is still ideal for your weight loss diet because it is so low in calories. A half cup of cabbage is only 17 calories. An entire head of cabbage that can be used to prepare a large salad is less than 300 calories.

Fermented cabbage may also help promote the balance of microbes and probiotics in your digestive system. This can help strengthen your intestines. Weight control. Cabbage may also help with weight loss because it's low in calories, has a high-water content, and is a good source of dietary fiber.

Raw: Eating raw cabbage in salads or coleslaw is a great way to preserve its nutrients, including vitamin C and fiber. Combine shredded cabbage with other vegetables, fruits, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and crunchy dish.

Cabbage water has excellent detoxifying properties due to its high content of antioxidants, and phytochemicals. These compounds help eliminate harmful toxins from the body, reducing the burden on your liver, and promoting a healthy complexion.

I find that compared to sauerkraut, rotkohl it is not as intensely mouth puckering and has a milder, subtly sweet taste thanks to the addition of apples, cider, and a little bit of sugar.

Is Napa cabbage better than red cabbage? ›

Napa Cabbage

Its flavor is a little sweeter than green and red cabbage, and the leaves are far more tender, so it's a great choice if you're looking for something more mild. It's a classic addition when filling dumplings or making stir-fries, and it's also great raw in salads and slaws.

Red cabbage is called “Rotkraut” or sometimes “Blaukraut” in German. It's generally not fermented into Sauerkraut but rather cooked or served raw (coleslaw). “Red cabbage is often used raw for salads and coleslaw.

Cabbage worms are velvety green larvae. They have a few faint yellow stripes. They are not to be confused with cabbage loopers, which are yellow-green caterpillars. Unlike cabbage worms, cabbage loopers raise and lower their bodies as they move (like an inchworm) because they have no middle legs.

Red cabbage beats out the green version of the vegetable when it comes to nutritional content. Reducing inflammation and guarding against some cancers are just two of the health benefits believed to be the result of eating red (or purple) cabbage, per Healthline.

Although it's a sturdy vegetable it's not invincible… Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads. Just make sure you slice it very finely.

However, the purple variety is richer in beneficial plant compounds that have been linked to health benefits, such as stronger bones and a healthier heart. Purple cabbage is also thought to lower inflammation and protect against certain types of cancers.

2,3 These antioxidants have properties that help to reduce inflammation in our bodies, as well as protect our hearts. 2,3 Additionally, red cabbage also contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K. 3 Together, these two nutrients assist with skin health, wound healing, blood clotting and bone health!

However, you are recommended not to overconsume. To benefit from consuming sauerkraut, you are recommended to maintain the consistency of quantity and consume it regularly. Sauerkraut can be eaten at any time of the day but consuming it early in the morning is considered the best time.

Which should you choose? If you're looking for the healthier option of the two, choose cabbage. Lettuce varieties such as red leaf lettuce and romaine are also good options. Cabbage, including green and red cabbage, is typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than iceberg lettuce.