Cabbage can be cool. Don’t “beleaf” us? Okay, we admit that cabbage often seems quite simple and old-fashioned. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. But with a modern twist and served up deliciously crunchy, this classic has been catapulted into today’s hipster cuisine. And as a vitamin booster it will steel your body for the cold season.
Fist-class superfood: Kale
We’re sure you’ve heard of kale by now. In Germany, it is traditionally served as part of a fatty, hearty meal with smoked sausage. Now it’s got a whole new image: light, colorful and crisp. An experience you shouldn’t miss out on. Especially because kale contains record amounts of vitamins and minerals. It contains twice as much vitamin C as oranges and twice as much calcium as milk. Its iron content is even higher than that of steak. What’s more, it’s also rich in carotene. You just have to tuck in when this super vegetable is prepared fresh, for example with Greek yogurt or smoked tofu, Thai spices or combined with other colorful vegetables.
Sprouts: sweet and savory
These tender little bundles are rich in fiber and contain a whopping amount of vitamin C and iron. This happens to be a really cool combo, because our bodies absorb iron far better when combined with vitamin C. Did you know that sprouts, which are often bitter, show their sweet side when they’ve been frozen? This works whether they’re frozen in the field or in a freezer compartment. Sauté sprouts in a pan with soy sauce and caramelized nuts and you’ll find out how tender and crispy brassica can be.
Colorful Temptation: Red Cabbage
With its intense reddish-purple color, red cabbage can really brighten up the dreary winter. Its color is thanks to natural plant substances, anthocyanins. As antioxidants, they disarm aggressive free radicals. These antioxidants include vitamin C, and a 200 gram portion of red cabbage will provide your entire daily requirement. When cooking red cabbage, add a drop of lemon juice or vinegar and it will keep its color. In addition to the traditional German red cabbage side dish, you can also try making a fresh, crispy salad of finely chopped cabbage, for example with red onions and aromatic apples.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.