How to Remove Cabbage Leaves

Allow the cabbage leaves to cool before you handle them.

Cabbage is high in vitamin K, vitamin C and dietary fiber. People use cabbage in a variety of dishes due to its fresh flavor and crisp texture. Whole cabbage leaves allow people to create cabbage rolls or stuffed cabbage. The leaves need to be removed carefully so that they do not rip or tear. Boiling the leaves not only makes it easy for you to remove them, but the leaves become soft and easier to work with.

Things You'll Need

• Paring knife
• Large cooking pot
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Insert a paring knife beside the core. Cut around the core to remove it from the head.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. You need a pot large enough to hold the cabbage head.

3. Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water.

4. Remove the cabbage head from the boiling water after two to three minutes. The outer leaves will soften and become pliable.

5. Remove the outer leaves with tongs. If you have difficulty, return them to the pot of boiling water until they become pliable and easy to remove.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove wilted and discolored outer leaves before you boil the cabbage.

• Always wash cabbage before you prepare it -- to remove any dangerous bacteria and dirt.

References

• Food Network; Stuffed Cabbage Rolls; Tyler Florence
• The World's Healthiest Foods: Cabbage
• Recipe Tips: All About Cabbage
• "Good Housekeeping": Healthier Cabbage Rolls Recipe