Definition

Noun: 1. A variety of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) characterized by its compact head of reddish-purple to purplish-red leaves. 2. The edible head or leaves of this plant, often used raw in salads (e.g., coleslaw) or cooked.

Usage and Examples

• As a type of vegetable:
  • For a colorful salad, I added shredded red cabbage along with green lettuce.
  • The recipe calls for one small head of red cabbage, finely sliced.
• Describing its state or preparation:
  • The red cabbage was braised with apples and vinegar.
  • Pickled red cabbage is a common condiment.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: The color of red cabbage can act as a natural pH indicator. Its pigments (anthocyanins) turn more red in acidic environments (like vinegar) and bluer in alkaline environments.
  • When she added lemon juice, the red cabbage in the salad turned a brighter shade of red.

Variants and Related Words

• White cabbage / Green cabbage: The more common variety with pale green leaves.
• Savoy cabbage: A variety with crinkly, ruffled green leaves.
• Napa cabbage: An elongated, leafy cabbage commonly used in East Asian cuisine.

Synonyms

• Purple cabbage (common alternative name in some regions).

Notes on Meaning

• The term "red cabbage" refers specifically to the pigmented variety. It is not simply any cabbage that is red in color due to cooking or preparation.

Noun

1. compact head of purplish-red leaves
2. cabbage plant with a compact head of reddish purple leaves