Home / February

A little reason to celebrate

National Cabbage Day

Food · February 17

A day for cabbage, the dense, leafy vegetable behind coleslaw, sauerkraut, stuffed rolls and plenty of quiet weeknight dinners.

National Cabbage Day falls on Wednesday, February 17, 2027. That is 113 days away.

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that grows into a tight, heavy head. It belongs to the same plant family as broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts, and it comes in green, red and the crinkly Savoy kind.

Pick one up at the store and the weight surprises you. The leaves wrap so closely that a single head can feed a family for several meals, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for a good while. Raw, it is crisp and a little peppery. Cooked slowly, it turns soft and sweet.

That range explains why so many kitchens rely on it. Shredded raw cabbage becomes coleslaw. Fermented with salt, it becomes sauerkraut, and with chili and garlic it becomes kimchi. Whole leaves get softened and rolled around a filling, then baked in sauce. Wedges can be roasted until the edges brown, and thin ribbons go into stir fries, soups and tacos.

Red cabbage has one trick of its own. Its color comes from pigments that shift with acidity, so a splash of vinegar brightens it toward pink while baking soda can push it toward blue. Cooks add a little vinegar or apple to keep it a deep purple.

When you shop, look for a head that feels firm and heavy for its size, with fresh, tight outer leaves. Peel off any wilted ones, and the rest is usually ready to cut.

Ways to celebrate

• Try roasting cabbage wedges with oil and salt until the edges brown.
• Make a quick coleslaw with a vinegar dressing.
• Cook a pot of soup with shredded cabbage and whatever vegetables you have.
• Add a splash of vinegar to red cabbage and watch the color change.
• Share a family recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls.

Dates

All national days on February 17

Also on February 17

• Random Acts of Kindness Day
• National Café au Lait Day

Categories: Food days