Origin: Theories say that the West cabbage was domesticated in Europe almost 3,000 years ago from its wild predecessors that had thick leaves. The leaves used to retain water because of which they were able to survive in colder places with less water. It is also believed that the cabbage was discovered 4,000 BC ago in the East and had been cultivated in North China ever since then. These variants were not like the usual cabbage and were domesticated by Celts of central and western Europe. Mesopotamia is also known for cabbages. The cultivation of cabbages in Mesopotamia started after the Ptolemaic dynasty. The cabbage was already a household vegetable before it got introduced in Rome. History also says Greeks knew about them at least as early as 4th century BC.
Greeks called headed cabbage as “krambe” while the Romans called it “brassica” or “olus”. It is also mentioned in the history that the ancient Romans ate nothing but only cabbage. In Rome, cabbage was also considered a luxury and was better than other vegetables. The first round-headed cabbage was discovered in 14th-century England, and they became more and more popular as cuisine throughout Europe.
Scientifically: Cabbage is botanically known as Brassica oleracea, It is a fodder plant of the mustard family.
Cabbage has succulent leaves and the plants grow best in mild to cool climates and tolerate frost; some forms tolerate hard freezing at certain periods of growth. Hot weather impairs growth and quality. The common forms of cabbage may be classified according to the plant parts used for food and the structure or arrangement of those parts, as follows.
Cabbage is rich in phytonutrient antioxidants. It is a broad family of common plants that also include brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, and broccoli. It is one of the widely cultivated crops around the world.
Usage: Cabbage is rich in vitamin B6 and folate, both of which are essential for many important processes in the body, including energy metabolism and the normal functioning of the nervous system. Cabbage is especially high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that protects against heart disease, certain cancers, and vision loss. Cabbage is also great for weight loss and is an integral part of healthy diets.
Cabbage is also great for skin and hair health. Cabbage is used in different cuisines and is cooked as curries, salads, coleslaw, etc.
Below are some DIYs with cabbage:
- Take 4 tablespoons of cabbage paste, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 egg white and 2 teaspoons of rice powder. Mix all ingredients in a blender and make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the face and massage it in a circular motion for 2 minutes. After 20 minutes clean your face with water and pat dry. This face pack nourishes your skin and gives it a natural glow.
- Take some chopped cabbage and make a paste with some milk. Apply this paste on the face for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. This face pack helps in hydrating the skin and dealing with skin problems.
- Mix two tablespoons of cabbage juice with one teaspoon of honey. Add a pinch of turmeric to it. Mix all the ingredients well and apply on the face for 10 minutes. This remedy works wonder in removing sun tan and moisturizing the skin.
- Take a tablespoon of cabbage juice and add some lemon juice to it. Apply this concoction with a cotton ball and let it dry. Wash it off after 10 minutes. This remedy helps in treating blemishes and dark spots.