Benefits and harms, features of the use of Savoy cabbage

The stereotypical opinion about the capriciousness of Savoy cabbage is confidently dispelled by experienced farmers. And its beneficial qualities make the product a serious alternative in the field of cooking and medicine to the more familiar cabbage crop. Let's talk about Savoy cabbage: its beneficial properties, cultivation and use in recipes.

Characteristics of Savoy cabbage

Head of savoy cabbage differs from other varieties of this vegetable crop in the loose structure and relief texture of the leaves. It lacks the usual density due to the lack of hard veins. Thanks to this feature, the forks can be easily disassembled into leaves. Another characteristic feature of the culture is the absence of a specific odor released by white cabbage during the cooking process.

When cultivating this vegetable plant, experienced farmers identified its characteristic advantages and disadvantages. So, the advantages of growing Savoy cabbage include:

• no need to use special knowledge and skills;
• simplicity of growing conditions;
• crop resistance to low temperatures;
• increased viability in dry conditions;
• resistance to diseases.

The disadvantages of cultivation include:

• the need for a significant area for each fork;
• small head size;
• frequent overripening or cracking of forks;
• low keeping quality of the crop.

Useful and medicinal properties of savoy cabbage

The culture is endowed with valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.In terms of the amount of vitamins C, E, B1 and B2, dry matter and crude protein it contains, the vegetable is more than twice as fast as white cabbage. It is also rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, mustard oil and fats.

Another advantage of this culture is the absence of veins in the leaves of the cabbage head. Indeed, thanks to this, they are much more easily absorbed by the body, which becomes an overriding factor in the high dietary value of the product, as well as its healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

The following medicinal properties of Savoy cabbage can be distinguished:

• strengthening the immune system;
• cleansing the body of toxins;
• beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system;
• assistance in restoring the nervous system and stimulating it;
• strengthening bone tissue;
• fight against high blood pressure;
• diuretic effect and helps maintain kidney health;
• normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
• assistance in losing weight;
• improvement in gastritis and ulcers;
• fight against loss of strength and vitamin deficiency;
• removal of cholesterol;
• liver cleansing;
• beneficial effect on vision;
• decreased blood sugar levels;
• improving the health of pregnant women and the elderly;
• prevention of cancer.

If any of the listed diseases is in an acute stage, consumption of this vegetable is prohibited.

Is there any harm possible and who should not use it?

Taking into account the beneficial properties of cabbage, we should not forget about the possible harm of this garden crop. And although this is much less common, it is better to remember about it.

This vegetable can cause increased gas formation, especially if consumed in large quantities.Therefore, pregnant women and young children should eat savoy cabbage with caution or avoid it altogether. People suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage should not completely abandon the product, but it is recommended to consult with their doctor regarding the advisability of introducing this vegetable into the diet.

Also, a factor indicating the inappropriateness of consuming Savoy cabbage may be individual intolerance or a general tendency to allergies. And if there are problems with the thyroid gland, you should completely abandon this product.

Attention! After abdominal surgical interventions in the area of ​​the sternum and peritoneum and throughout the entire recovery period, consuming Savoy cabbage is strictly prohibited.

How to use: recipes

Savoy cabbage is widely used in cooking. It can be stewed, fried, boiled and, of course, made into salads.

Stuffed cabbage rolls

With the leaves of this vegetable crop, cabbage rolls are more juicy and tender than when using white cabbage varieties. The dish itself is more healthy due to the high level of vitamins it contains.

Ingredients for cabbage rolls:

• 1 head of cabbage;
• 1 bunch of parsley;
• 500 g minced meat;
• 0.5 tbsp. rice;
• ground black pepper;
• 2 carrots;
• 2 onions;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 50 g green onions;
• 1 egg;
• 2 pinches of salt;
• 250 ml meat broth;
• 2 tbsp. l. oils

Cooking process:

1. The rice is washed and boiled.
2. Chop the onion, grate the carrots on a coarse grater, place them in a frying pan and fry with the addition of vegetable oil until golden brown.
3. The head of cabbage is divided into leaves and the thickenings are cut off.
4. Pour water into the pan to half the volume, bring to a boil, salt and place the cabbage there for 3 minutes.
5. Rice is mixed with minced meat and fried vegetables.
6. The garlic is crushed and added to the first mixture along with the egg.
7. The parsley is chopped and also added to the meat mass.
8. One by one, the cabbage leaves are filled with the resulting filling with a spoon, twisted and tied with onion feathers, pre-treated with boiling water.
9. Place tightly in a saucepan and fill with broth.
10. Simmer for an hour over low heat. The dish is ready.

Pickling

It is believed that Savoy cabbage is not suitable for pickling. But this statement is easily refuted by the following recipe.

Components:

• 5 kg cabbage;
• 500 g fresh cranberries;
• 150 g dill;
• 100 g salt.

Cooking method:

1. Savoy cabbage is chopped and manually rubbed with salt.
2. The cranberries in a sieve or colander are carefully washed under running water.
3. Dill is chopped.
4. Greens, vegetables and berries are mixed and placed tightly in a glass or enamel container.
5. Top with whole cabbage leaves and press down with a plate.
6. The load is scalded and placed on the food preparation.
7. At room temperature, the fermentation process will begin in two days, as evidenced by the appearance of brine.
8. On the fifth day, the finished dish is moved to the refrigerator or basement.

Salad

A simple, quick, healthy and tasty recipe for savoy cabbage salad for every day. It is suitable for those who are trying to lose weight.

Salad ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage;
• 2 fresh cucumbers;
• 1 bunch of dill;
• 1 clove of young garlic;
• 3 tbsp. l. low-fat sour cream or unsweetened yogurt;
• 2 tbsp. l. feta cheese

Recipe:

1. Cabbage is chopped, cucumbers are cut into rings, dill is chopped, garlic is crushed.
2. Prepare a dressing from sour cream and cheese shredded with a fork.
3. All components are mixed and enjoy the light taste.

There is no need to add salt to the salad, this will only spoil the natural taste of the food.

Use in folk medicine

Savoy cabbage is no less widely used in folk medicine. The medicinal properties of the vegetable make it indispensable for various diseases. This culture is used fresh for:

• iodine deficiency;
• seasonal vitamin deficiency;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• hormonal imbalances;
• obesity;
• prostate problems;
• hangover syndrome;
• eczema, burns, herpes zoster;
• subcutaneous seals.

Read also:

Ornamental cabbage: cultural features

Sowing and features of growing Japanese cabbage

How to prepare Korean cauliflower for the winter: a classic recipe and its variations

Conclusion

The potential harm of savoy cabbage is minimal, and the benefits make it an excellent alternative to the more popular white cabbage crop. Moreover, in terms of vitamin composition and taste, it is in many ways ahead of it. Savoy cabbage is used not only in cooking, but is also successfully used in the field of traditional medicine.