Definition

Noun 1. A type of Chinese cabbage: A plant (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) characterized by an elongated, cylindrical head of tightly packed, broad, pale green leaves with white stalks. It is widely cultivated and used as a vegetable, especially in East Asian cuisine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for one head of Brassica rapa pekinensis, also known as napa cabbage.
  • Kimchi is traditionally made by fermenting Brassica rapa pekinensis with chili peppers and other seasonings.
  • Compared to round-headed cabbages, Brassica rapa pekinensis has a milder, sweeter flavor.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and agricultural contexts: The term is used for precise scientific classification and to distinguish this subspecies from other related vegetables like bok choy ( subsp. ) or turnips ( subsp. ).
  • The study focused on the disease resistance of several cultivars of Brassica rapa pekinensis.

Variants and Related Words

• Napa cabbage: The most common common name in English.
• Chinese cabbage: A broader term that can sometimes also refer to bok choy, but most often means in Western contexts.
• Wombok: A common name used in Australia and some other regions.
• Pe-tsai: A transliteration of the Chinese name.

Synonyms

• Napa cabbage
• Chinese cabbage (in its most specific sense)
• Celery cabbage (an older descriptive name referencing its stalk-like ribs)

Noun

1. plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery; used as a vegetable in east Asia