Cabbage

Cabbage, in the Brassica family, seems to have a bad reputation. No one knows what to do with cabbage (aside from corned beef and cabbage or sauerkraut, that is). With such a longstanding history as a staple throughout the world, there is plenty to do with this gem. Its sweetness is enhanced by quick-cooking methods like stir frying or light steaming. It can also be cooked longer in soups and stews and give a richness to the broth. It keeps very well in the refrigerator or the root cellar and is an excellent source of vitamins K and C, and high in dietary fiber, manganese, folate, and vitamin B6. Scientists have also found that a certain component of the cruciferous vegetable family, sulforaphane, helps stimulate enzymes that guard agains the development of cancerous tumors (Greens Glorious Greens, Johnna Albi and Catherine Walthers, page 59).