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Red Napa cabbage is a compact, large and elongated head, averaging 25-30 centimeters in length with an oblong to oval shape. The white stems are smooth, crunchy, and firm with vertical grooves, and the thick white stems transition into prominent veins as they travel into the leaves. The leaves range in color from bright magenta to red and are crisp with a crinkled texture and ruffled edges. Red Napa cabbage has a slightly sweeter flavor than green napa cabbage varieties and is mild with notes of pepper.
Seasons/Availability
Red Napa cabbage is available year-round, with a peak season in the late summer.
Current Facts
Red Napa cabbage, botanically classified as Brassica rapa var. pekinensis, is a heading variety of Chinese cabbage that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Also known as Red Chinese cabbage, Pe-tsai, and Celery cabbage, Red Napa cabbage is a new variety released in 2016 that was developed by the Kwonnong Seed Co. in South Korea. The varietal was first field-tested and then introduced under the name Scarlette, and today it is also known under names such as Red Dragon and KN-RCC3. Red Napa cabbage was created for its mild, sweet flavor and bright coloring, and is predominately used in salads and as a vibrant garnish.
Nutritional Value
Red Napa cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and A as well as zinc and calcium. The burgundy-purple hue of Red Napa cabbage is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are phytonutrients responsible for the pigment in the leaves and are powerful antioxidants to help boost immunity and protect the body against free radicals.
Applications
Red Napa cabbage is best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as braising, stewing, grilling, stir-frying, and boiling. When raw, the vibrant colored leaves add contrast to green salads, can be shredded and mixed into slaws, or sliced and used as a crunchy topping on tacos. Red Napa cabbage can also be stir-fried with other vegetables and meats as a main dish, chopped and stuffed into dumplings, braised for a tender consistency, or tossed into soups and stews. In addition to cooked preparations, Red Napa cabbage is popularly fermented and used to make kimchi. Red Napa cabbage pairs well with herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, cucumber, celery, parsnips, nuts such as pecans, pistachios, and peanuts, apples, cherries, and green onions. The leaves will keep 1-2 weeks when wrapped in plastic and stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Napa cabbage is traditionally used to make kimchi, which is a spicy mixture that is also considered to be South Korea’s national dish. Consisting of fermented cabbage, radish, ginger, garlic, ground hot chile peppers, and cucumber or scallions, kimchi is a spicy dish that has many different variations depending on where it is made in Asia. In South Korea, the fermented cabbage is eaten at almost every meal as a side dish, also known as banchan, and it can also be used as a flavoring in soups, vegetable dishes, and cooked meats. Red Napa cabbage has become a popular variation of the classic recipe as it gives the kimchi a vibrant red-purple hue and provides a good source of antioxidants.
Geography/History
Green napa cabbage is native to China and was first documented in the Yangtze River Delta during the 14th century. As cabbage cultivation increased, varieties were introduced to neighboring countries such as Korea and Japan in the 1850s and later to the Americas in the late 1880s via Chinese immigrants. Red Napa cabbage varieties were created much later in 2016 and are native to South Korea where they were bred and selected by the Kwonnong Seed Co. Today Red Napa cabbage is primarily available in Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and Spain, and can also be found in limited supply through specialty grocers and online seed catalogs in the United States.
Tutti Frutti
Red Napa cabbage, also known as Red Chinese cabbage or Pe-tsai, is a relatively modern innovation, first introduced in 2016 by the Kwonnong Seed Co. in South Korea. This strikingly colorful variety is recognized for its burgundy-purple hue, attributed to anthocyanins—phytonutrients with antioxidant properties that help bolster immunity and combat free radicals. Packed with vitamins C and A, along with zinc and calcium, it's both visually appealing and nutritionally beneficial.
Purple or Red Napa cabbage varieties are relatively new, having been bred and introduced in 2016 by the Kwonnong Seed Co. in South Korea. While green Napa cabbage has been cultivated for centuries, this vibrant variety is still gaining popularity. Today, Red Napa cabbage is primarily grown and consumed in Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and Spain. In the United States, its availability is mainly through specialty grocers or online seed catalogs.
Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st sd ca 92110 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Red Napa cabbage is celebrated for its vibrant, colorful leaves that span from magenta to red, adding visual appeal to dishes. Its firm white stems and crisp texture provide an excellent balance of crunch and tenderness. This cabbage is not only visually striking but also offers a pleasant, mildly sweet taste with peppery undertones, making it more flavorful than standard green napa cabbage varieties.
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Fresno, CA
+15593854959
Red Napa cabbage can be enjoyed in various ways, from raw to cooked dishes. Raw leaves provide a vibrant touch to green salads, can be shredded for slaws, or used as a crunchy taco topping. It can also be stir-fried, braised for tenderness, added to soups and stews, or stuffed into dumplings. A notable use is fermenting it into kimchi. Pair it with ingredients like basil, potatoes, or cherries for added flavor. Stored in a refrigerator's crisper drawer wrapped in plastic, the leaves can last 1-2 weeks.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Red Napa cabbage, botanically named Brassica rapa var. pekinensis, was developed by the Kwonnong Seed Co. in South Korea and introduced in 2016 under the name Scarlette. Its striking burgundy-purple color comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that boost immunity and combat free radicals. Known also as Red Dragon or KN-RCC3, it’s valued for its mild, sweet flavor and is commonly used in salads and as a decorative garnish.
Farmers Market Santa Monica
Arizona Ave & 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/farmers-market
Red Napa cabbage was first bred and introduced in South Korea in 2016 by the Kwonnong Seed Co. Unlike its green counterpart, which has been cultivated for centuries, this vibrant variety is relatively new and has gained popularity for its striking hue. Currently, Red Napa cabbage is primarily available in Asia and Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and Spain, and in limited quantities through specialty grocers and online seed catalogs in the United States.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Red Napa cabbage has vibrant magenta to red leaves that are crisp, with a crinkled texture and ruffled edges. Its white stems are thick, smooth, and firm, transitioning into prominent veins in the leaves. The head is compact, averaging 25-30 centimeters in length, with an oblong to oval shape. Its combination of texture and mildly sweet, peppery flavor makes it distinct from green napa cabbage varieties.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Red Napa cabbage adds vibrant contrast to salads, can be shredded for slaws, or sliced as taco toppings. It pairs well with herbs like basil and cilantro, nuts like pecans and peanuts, and fruits such as apples and cherries. Perfect for stir-fries, soups, and stews, it can also be fermented into kimchi. Store in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer wrapped in plastic to keep for 1-2 weeks.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Red Napa Cabbage from JR Organics . Red Napa cabbage is a relatively new variety, introduced in 2016 by the Kwonnong Seed Co. in South Korea. It was designed specifically for its mild, sweet flavor and striking burgundy-purple hue, which is caused by anthocyanins. These phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, helping to boost immunity and protect the body from free radicals. It is often known by other names like Red Chinese cabbage, Scarlette, or Red Dragon.
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