Cabbage: An exceptionally healthy food

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Cabbage is an exceptionally healthy food, but sometimes overlooked when making good choices to our diet. It has an outstanding nutrient profile, is low in sodium and is especially high in vitamins C and K.

In addition, eating cabbage may even help lower the risk of certain diseases, improve digestion and combat inflammation. Plus, cabbage makes a tasty and inexpensive addition to several recipes.

With so many potential health benefits, it is easy to see why cabbage deserves some time in the spotlight and some room on your plate.

Did you know more than 1,500 acres of cabbage are harvested in Colorado each year? Cabbage is not a leafy green; it is related to broccoli and cauliflower, and there are more than 400 varieties of cabbage in the world. To find more information about healthy eating and food that can boost your diet, visit https://janeunchained.com.

Choose cabbage heads with compact leaves that are heavy for their size.

Braised Colorado

cabbage recipe

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 yellow onion, julienned

1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced

1 red apple, cored and julienned

1 cup carrots, shredded

1 1/2 cups red cabbage, shredded

1 1/2 cups green cabbage, shredded

2 teaspoons caraway seed

3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons smoked applewood salt

1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper

2 cups chicken stock

1 cup ale beer

On the stove top, heat a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven on high. Add the bacon and cook until rendered and bacon starts to caramelize. Add the onions and garlic and sauté in the bacon fat until soft and translucent.

Add the carrots, apples and cabbage and sauté for five minutes to soften. Add the seasonings, sugar and chicken stock and mix well then add the beer.

Cover and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Remove cover, stir well and continue to cook on medium heat until 80 percent of liquid has evaporated.

Adjust seasoning as needed. If too much liquid evaporates, add more stock. Serve hot with your favorite sausage or bratwurst.

CPR and first aid classes

CPR and first aid certification classes are offered monthly by the Colorado State University Extension office on the second Monday and Wednesday of each month from 6 to 10 pm. Anyone needing to receive or renew certification can register by calling the Extension office at 264-5931.

We will also attempt to schedule classes on additional dates with five or more registrations. Cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. The type of first aid information provided will vary by the needs of the audience.