A humble cruciferous vegetable has been taking kitchens across North America by storm this year. Move over cauliflower and welcome your cousin, the cabbage! With hundreds of varieties of cabbage and dozens of ways to prepare it, this vegetable that was once considered a poor man’s vegetable is emerging and beginning to take center stage for a number of wholesome reasons.

Cabbage boasts numerous health benefits, it’s no wonder it’s starting to climb back into the spotlight! It is packed with nutrients, has an abundance of both vitamin c and vitamin k and it has been said to contain anti-inflammatory properties. There have also been studies done that concluded there’s a chance cabbage may be an ideal vegetable when it comes to heart health – lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Along with all of those properties, it’s also high in fiber thus improving overall digestion and best of all, it’s low in calories. Are you intrigued yet?

The ways cabbage can be prepared are innumerable. Say goodbye to the typical notion of boiling and start experimenting! Cabbage can be eaten raw in a slaw, salad or in tacos, adding a wonderful crunch to almost any dish. It’s easy to keep on hand so it’s also ideal for last minute suppers when you’re in a pinch. If you enjoy meat based proteins, it pairs well with a variety of proteins – from sausage, to chicken or pork but especially bacon! Additionally, it can be the perfect side to a fish dish served as a slaw. The versatility of cabbage make it easy to work into a meal either serving it on the side to gently compliment or as the main part of a dish. Not to mention, it is excellent casing to rice and meat in a luscious tomato sauce in a traditional cabbage roll.  This leafy green can be sautéed, roasted, braised, steamed, stuffed and even grilled or smoked! Another new and somewhat exciting preparation method: Cabbage can be baked into chips! Talk about a healthy alternative! Some of the most popular uses of cabbage in the modern world are condiments like sauerkraut and even kimchi.

Not only is cabbage abundantly healthful, it’s also generally quite affordable and keeps really well in the refrigerator. It’s such an easy vegetable to have on hand and because of the countless of ways to prepare it, you won’t get stuck in a rut preparing cabbage and you can almost always make something to suit whatever else you have in your fridge and your pantry at the time. This year, this underrated vegetable is making a comeback. Why not throw a cabbage steak on the grill at your next cookout?