Definition

Noun: 1. A type of leafy vegetable: A plant (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) cultivated for food, characterized by an elongated, cylindrical head of tightly packed, pale green to yellow leaves with broad, white, crisp stalks. It is a staple vegetable in East Asian cuisines. 2. The edible part of this plant: The elongated head of crisp, celery-like stalks and light green leaves, used as a vegetable.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for one head of Chinese cabbage, shredded.
  • She stir-fried the Chinese cabbage with garlic and ginger.
  • Chinese cabbage is a key ingredient in kimchi.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: The term is often used in recipes and culinary discussions to specify this particular variety of cabbage, distinguishing it from round, green cabbage (head cabbage) or other leafy greens like bok choy (which is also a type of Chinese cabbage but has a different structure).
  • For authentic flavor, use Chinese cabbage instead of regular cabbage in this soup.

Variants and Related Words

• Napa cabbage: A common alternative name for the same vegetable, used frequently in North America.
• Wombok: A common name for this vegetable in Australia.
• Bok choy / Pak choi: A related Chinese cabbage with dark green leaves and thick white stems that do not form a tight head. While related, it is a distinct vegetable from the elongated head variety described by "Chinese cabbage."

Synonyms

• Napa cabbage (primary synonym in many regions)
• Celery cabbage (an older term referencing its stalk-like texture)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Leafy vegetable: A general category to which Chinese cabbage belongs.
• Brassica: The plant genus that includes cabbage, broccoli, and mustard greens.

Noun

1. elongated head of crisp celery-like stalks and light green leaves
2. plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery; used as a vegetable in east Asia