GOODNESS
Cabbage: This big head of leaves is from the ancient family of brassica that includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, chard, kohlrabi and bok choy. When it is cooked a bit too long, these veggies will give off an odor of rotten eggs. That's due to the sulfur compounds that make them all so healthy, so you have to take the good with the bad. These handy chemicals are cancer fighters that work by pushing potential cancer-causing cells to commit suicide. In addition, they contain antioxidants and help prevent cardiovascular disease. They are also full of vitamins and minerals, so get some cabbage into your diet. The only warning is to people with hypothyroidism, who shouldn't overindulge.
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Recipe

Pickled Napa Cabbage with Umeboshi Plums

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 120

ingredients

  • 1 (3 pounds) head Napa cabbage, halved lengthwise, cored, and cut crosswise into1 inch-wide strips
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 6 umeboshi plums, pitted and minced
  • 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (not seasoned)

directions

Transfer cabbage to a large bowl and separate leaves, then toss with kosher salt. Let stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

Stir together umeboshi plums, mirin, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.

Rinse cabbage with cold water in a colander and drain.

Firmly squeeze 1 handful cabbage several times to remove excess water and transfer to cleaned bowl. Repeat with remaining cabbage. Stir in umeboshi mixture, then chill, covered, stirring once or twice, at least 1 hour.

Cooks' note: Pickled cabbage can be chilled up to 3 weeks.