They began to use cabbage in the Stone Age. I remember as a child the well water at girl scout camp was high in sulfur and we all called it the rotten egg water. Just make sure that you drain it well before using it in your recipe. Fresh cabbage does have its own interesting smell, but ruined cabbage will smell like ammonia or decay. Cooked cabbage is not supposed to be bitter. Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if its soaked in cold water. If your cabbage tastes bitter because its starting to go bad, you should toss it into the trash or the compost bin because it could cause you to get sick. This is why many coleslaws contain a bit of sugar. Shredded cabbage should stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored properly. Radicchio has a strong bitter taste with thinner and less waxy leaves than cabbage. A few handy tips that can help us use cabbage and avoid its bitterness from emerging:, Mix with dried fruits and vegetables that have a strong taste. Ever noticed that cut cabbage turns bitter in a salad if kept refrigerated for a long time? chris lilly bbq net worth; when to stop posting? So whether you're looking for an in-depth . The longer cabbage lies, the less glycosides. If the head itself is not wet, then after grinding it is not necessary to drain the water, and after scalding it is necessary. Adding salt, pepper, and other spices during this preparation will also help to enhance and improve its taste. why is my cooked cabbage bitter. To eat it was pleasant, you need to eliminate the bitterness using known methods. Overcooking will result in limp, pasty cabbage and produce a very unpleasant smell. After removing the cabbage from the refrigerator, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt and rinse off any bitter liquid the salt removed. If youre looking to avoid eating overcooked cabbage, it can be difficult to know how much is too much. If there is still an edge, swirl in a teaspoon of butter, letting it melt until creamy. Some amateur farmers plant cabbage near hot peppers. Cut cabbages will begin to turn a grayish black color on any cut edge as they begin to age. Very Mild flavor. This is a far cry from the raw, tough, shredded cabbage that youll find in coleslaw! Then, mince garlic cloves. You sure can. In this article, we will discuss why cabbage can be bitter, how to remove its bitterness, whether it is still safe to eat, and more. The answer is yes, you can eat the outer leaves of cabbage, both raw or cooked. I add a little water with a little chicken cube for seasoning. Processed foods contain insane amounts of sodium. Pepto Bismol is a medication used to treat food poisoning. Any kind of cell damage makes the cabbage go by more quickly and degrades the vitamin C content. AJH Trade Group is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Fort Myers, Fl. Home Vegetables Why Is My Cooked Cabbage Bitter? Cabbage is an exceptionally wonderful gut-loving, heart-healthy vegetable. Why is my cooked cabbage bitter? Yes, you can freeze cooked cabbage. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months. Cabbage belongs to the mustard family. Half a cup of cooked cabbage has about a third the vitamin C you need for the day. Theres good reason: Worms or other insects could be inside the cabbage, so to be safe, remove the thick outer leaves, cut the cabbage into wedges, and rinse them in a colander under running water. Well, thats the theory but as any gardener who grows cabbage will tell you, there are plenty of pests who will happily munch their way through cabbages! Spoiled cabbage could cause death, depending on the severity of the situation and how long ago it turned. A few handy tips that can help us use cabbage and avoid its bitterness from emerging: Mix with dried fruits and vegetables that have a strong taste. When red cabbage is cooked, it turns an unappealing blue color due to the compounds that give it its color, known as anthocyanins. But does it hurt you to eat bitter cabbage? Copyright 2023 Foodiosity | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Cabbage tastes bitter sometimes due to its organic sulfur-containing compounds like most other vegetables that are part of the mustard family. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So you want to water your cabbage around 2-3 times a week on a consistent basis. During the hot and dry season, more moisture is required. In fact, fruits and vegetables have caused a number food poisoning outbreaks, particularly lettuce, spinach, cabbage, celery and tomatoes ( 10 ). Having diabetes can put you at a greater risk for developing taste disorders, also known as Dysgeusia. If it does happen, you will end up with an acrid taste in your cabbage. Add olive oil and butter. If cabbage is properly stored, it can last from 3 weeks to up to 2 months in your refrigerator. Keep an eye on the cabbage to ensure it does not overcook. At first, any bitterness may seem pleasantly tasty as the salads dressing mellows cabbage flavors. Overcooking cabbage can cause it to become soft and mushy, which can make it difficult to eat. When plant cells are broken, the oils are separated from the sugar molecules by an enzyme and released as a very bitter compound. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Is cabbage soup actually a cause of diarrhea or just something that can help cleanse the body? Cut cabbages will begin to turn a grayish black color on any cut edge as they begin to age. If youre not careful, cooked cabbage can start to spoil and smell bad. If you're looking to avoid eating overcooked cabbage, it can be difficult to know how much is too much. Taste disorders can cause a bad, sour, or salty taste in your mouth. I remember as a child the well water at girl scout camp was high in sulfur and we all called it the rotten egg water. Its a clever defense mechanism for the cabbage plant to discourage hungry foragers. How To Fix Too Much Vinegar In Coleslaw. Not at all. These compounds contain sulfur, which has a distinctive odor and flavor. There are some things you can do to help prevent food poisoning, including washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with sick people. If you decide to try eating bad cabbage, be sure to do your research before doing so and make sure that the cabbage you are eating is fresh. Ways to eliminate bitterness Your dish has a bitter flavor Fats and sweetness can help smooth the bitter corners of a dish, just like they make coffee taste less bitter. Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. Stir until softened. 3-5 daysCover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. Many salads and coleslaw dressings have these ingredients, which is why they help the cabbage taste better. All materials are posted on the site strictly for informational and educational purposes! These methods will help to remove bitterness and are good for frying, for preparing salads and for stewing. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage. The unpleasant smell is caused by the sulfur compounds that are released when the cabbage is cooked too long. Next, add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. If youve come across an overly bitter cabbage, youre going to want to know why and how to make cabbage less bitter. One of the first mention of it is from the time of Ancient Rome. Imagine heading out to your garden and picking fresh basil leaves to add to your pasta sauce tonight? It funked up the kool-aid and the sweet tea. Its a clever defense mechanism for the cabbage plant to discourage hungry foragers. When I cut the bitter cabbage, just pour a small portion of apple cider vinegar. These compounds have sulfur in them, which causes the cabbage to turn slightly bitter. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If the spots are on the inside leaves as well, return the cabbage to the store for a refund. Pick the cabbage after a frost. Just keep in mind that if you have a Standard American Diet, the bulk of your sodium consumption probably comes from sources other than your own cooking. This site is owned and operated by Ciuraru Dragos PFA, and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Its best to refer to the old adage: when in doubt, throw it out. Even if you make a salad, not cooked cabbage, you can use this trick to make it less bitter. Tips for storing cabbage Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. Much like red onions, this leaches out some of the bitter flavor compounds. To store a head of cabbage, place it in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Here are the three mistakes I made and now want you to avoid in your quest to cook better cabbage. Cooked canned vegetables like beans or other legumes generally last 710 days with proper storage (2). The cabbage should have a uniform color without any discoloration and weird spots. It often tastes bitter due to compounds it contains known as glucosinolates. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Most cruciferous plants grow best in cooler weather and are known for being frost tolerant. The bitter taste is actually a defense mechanism for our body, and one of the main ways it tells us that something is poisonous for us. Most cruciferous plants grow best in cooler weather and are known for being frost tolerant. Place them on a serving platter or in a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm. Some people find it hard to enjoy the flavor of cabbage. Nappa cabbage , is more of a lettuce-like cabbage. Nappa and Savoys cabbage are varieties that are milder in flavor, and Nappa cabbage tends to have a much sweeter taste. The following signs are indicators that the cabbage tastes bitter because it is no longer fresh: If your cabbage shows any of these telltale signs, its time to throw it away. A similar rule applies to an autumn harvest. Refrigerate the salted cabbage for a few hours. AJH Trade Group also participate in other affiliate programs. If it smells sour or off, it's probably bad. Can You Eat The Black Inside Of Mushrooms? Im the main writer of foodiosity.com. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. A good cabbage will have a firm, crisp texture, while a cabbage that is going bad will be soft and mushy. What is the verdict. Any variety of this vegetable contains vitamins and is good for health. If cabbage is properly stored, it can last from 3 weeks to up to 2 months in your refrigerator. Overcooking will result in limp, pasty cabbage and produce a very unpleasant smell. In the similar manner any kind of cut cabbage is not edible as it gives a bitter taste. In fact, fruits and vegetables have caused a number food poisoning outbreaks, particularly lettuce, spinach, cabbage, celery and tomatoes ( 10 ). This leafy vegetable is versatile in the kitchen and adapts well to the freezing process. Spoiled cabbage could cause death, depending on the severity of the situation and how long ago it turned. Mix thoroughly. Ever noticed that cut cabbage turns bitter in a salad if kept refrigerated for a long time? Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months. How long is uncooked cabbage good for in the fridge? Once cut, use cabbage within 2-3 days. Spoiled vegetables: Although stock is a great way to use veggies that are wilted or slightly past their prime, be sure not to use produce that is rotten or moldy. Cabbage has 1 gram of fiber for every 10 calories. (Good thing everything else we did made up for the funky water.). Other oral issues that can cause a bad taste is dental infection and abscesses, oral thrush, gingivitis or gum disease. Which cabbage is less bitter? Can you freeze cabbage? Cruciferous plants are notorious for containing these molecules and the more bitter the plant, the glucosinolates they contain. Cooking eliminates the bitterness, but not all recipes require cooked cabbage. The bitterness in cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables is due to organic compounds known as glucosinolates. Too much or too little water can lead to bitter cabbage. Vegetables and leafy greens are a common source of food poisoning, especially when eaten raw. That is the main reason for the bitterness., Cabbage being an excellent source of fibre, vitamin C should not be avoided because of its bitterness. How long can cooked cabbage sit out? Chrysanthemum greens may be harvested as cut-and-come-again or as the whole plant. Cabbage belongs to the mustard family. Why does my stomach hurt after eating cabbage. Does uncooked cabbage need to be refrigerated? In the first case, there are varieties, for example, "amager", which by their nature have bitterness. Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. Overcrowding or overcooking can lead to a high temperature in the vegetables, which can cause them to become soft and muddled. Ever noticed that cut cabbage turns bitter in a salad if kept refrigerated for a long time? How to Start a Vegetable Garden: A Beginners Guide. Cook uncovered 2 minutes. I use ready cabbage for cooking. So heres everything you need to know about why cabbage sometimes tastes bitter, with solutions for how to fix it. Next, feel around the cabbage to ensure that its firm and dense. Don't force it, simply find other vegetables. Researchers have mapped the crystal structure of a key protein that makes the metabolites responsible for the bitter taste in Brassica vegetables like . These compounds contain sulfur, which has a distinctive odor and flavor that can be a little strong for some taste buds. Spoiled cabbage could cause death, depending on the severity of the situation and how long ago it turned. Heat a large skillet with 2 tbsp olive oil and add onion and bell pepper. Get Our FREE Top 5 Essential Tips For Successful Edible Gardening! Other good toppings for bitter veggies include soy sauce, mild-flavored vinegar or honey. Since it is a vegetable that has a lot of water content, mold can appear if the cabbage is going bad, so make sure to check the entire surface of the cabbage. Yes, it is perfectly safe to eat cabbage that is bitter due to its natural compounds, but you must ensure that it is not bitter because it is going bad. This site is owned and operated by AJH Trade Group. Finally, taste a small piece of the cabbage. You can simply cook the cabbage in a lidded skillet. Why Cabbage Tastes Bitter The main reason that cabbage tastes bitter has to do with organic compounds in it called glucosinolates. At least, that is, if theyre boiled or steamed. Raw cabbage and cauliflowers safety hazards have been a debated issue for quite a long time. The salad is then certainly not edible! If you are feeling sick, it is important to see a doctor. In my area, we tend not to eat. Even if you make a salad, not cooked cabbage, you can use this trick to make it less bitter. If you grind the cabbage, the bitterness will disappear. Harvest must be done on time. Shameful nonsense. When plant cells are broken, the oils are separated from the sugar molecules by an enzyme and released as a very bitter compound. Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc) actually taste extremely bitter to some people due to a genetic factor, similar to cilantro tasting like soap. Home Vegetables Why Does My Cabbage Taste Bitter? Health risks come with eating spoiled foods, so it is crucial to eat them before they expire. why does jazzy jeff wear glasses; xhosa love messages; mian mansha family pics; casa malca beach club day pass Theres good reason: Worms or other insects could be inside the cabbage, so to be safe, remove the thick outer leaves, cut the cabbage into wedges, and rinse them in a colander under running water. Add bright, fresh flavor to vegetable broth Dont boil fresh herbs in broth, though, or they could make the stock bitter. However, recent research suggests that cabbage may not be as beneficial for people with high blood pressure as previously thought. Food poisoning is a serious infection that can cause severe health problems. Finally, check for any brown spots or other types of discoloration on the head of the cabbage. To reheat cooked cabbage, its best to reheat it in a cooking pan, over medium heat. Or in a dish, covered with a suitable lid or film, in a microwave for about 3 minutes (stirring half way through). How do you keep coleslaw from getting bitter? Additionally, stay healthy by drinking plenty of fluids and avoid eating spicy foods. Vegetarian Mushroom Cabbage Rolls Polish Golabki Recipe, Eating Broccoli Leaves and Flowers With Recipe Ideas, Eating Nasturtium Tips for Using Nasturtium In The Kitchen, Why Are My Olives So Small? Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and hes always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. Lettuce like leaves. Black spots can occur during growth or due to mold. This disorder is cosmetic and has a negative effect on the appearance and marketability of the cabbage. These compounds contain sulfur, which has a distinctive odor and flavor. As mentioned, the organic sulfur compounds called glucosinolates are what make cabbage naturally taste bitter. Although you get different nutrients if you cook or ferment it, raw red cabbage in particular might give you the best nutritional boost per serving. Drain well before combining with other ingredients. This chemical reaction is why raw cabbage cut ahead of time for a recipe will have a more pungent bitter taste than raw cabbage cut and eaten right away. Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long. It has soluble and insoluble fibre which makes it an excellent gut living veggie. Does diabetes cause bitter taste in mouth? Cover and cool prepared cabbage within 2 hours of cooking and usage within 3-5 days. Is cabbage supposed to taste sour? Foods in the Brassica family, such as cabbage, are too strong for stock/broth and can impart a bitter taste. You will not want to eat cabbage thats going bad, so you should know how to look for the signs that indicate your cabbage is no longer edible. If the salt was not enough to remove the bitterness, you could add a bit of sugar or other vegetables that are sweet. Theres Rust Inside My Microwave! You also want to select a larger head of cabbage, as the bigger heads typically have a less bitter flavor than a smaller, very compact head. You can get rid of bitterness with salt. 2 tsp. Vegetables and leafy greens are a common source of food poisoning, especially when eaten raw. All its members bear sulfur-containing compounds, which are volatile by-products of mustard oil. If youre planning on using the cabbage raw (as in a coleslaw), try soaking the shredded cabbage in cold water for a half an hour. Its a clever defense mechanism for the cabbage plant to discourage hungry foragers. table salt, heaped, plus more to taste. Here are a few tips on how to ensure that your cabbage doesnt get overcooked: -Check the temperature of your cabbage before cooking. Nappa cabbage, is more of a lettuce-like cabbage. People may have diarrhea due to various reasons such as infection, poor diet, fluid loss, or surgery. Other good toppings for bitter veggies include soy sauce, mild-flavored vinegar or honey. In Russia, it began to grow in the eleventh century. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. why do blue jays peck at tree branches; lindy west husband ex wife; soul journeys figurines; 26 inch stretch beach cruiser; cindy o'callaghan eastenders; owen gun parts; persona 5 royal confidant availability calendar; donald lawrence wife; Pricelist. We think the flavor is a little deeper and earthier. Cooking cabbage can make you sick, a new study finds. If you want a summer crop, start the cabbages indoors, and when the threat of frost has passed. If you plan to use the cabbage in a salad or coleslaw, you can remove some of the bitter taste by chopping it up and putting the chopped leaves in a bowl with salt. The best way to prevent food poisoning is to cook your food properly and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Cabbage belongs to the mustard family. How Do You Keep White Butterflies Away From Cabbage. Or growing your own tomatoes and lettuce to make a salad to go with your pasta dish? Carefully place the vegetables in the pot of boiling water, and using a spoon, help submerge the vegetables. It can be added to stir-fries or soups or served as a side dish. 12 to 15 minutesBoil the cabbage for 12 to 15 minutes, until it is very tender (ours is generally done around 12 minutes). The soluble fibre acts as a rich fuel for gut-friendly bacteria, particularly lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. I have a lot of questions myself and I love finding out the answer. I always mnum. Foods in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, are too strong for stock/broth and can impart a bitter taste. 3-5 daysCover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. Overcooking will result in limp, pasty cabbage and produce a very unpleasant smell. Some of these medicines include prophylactic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relief medications. Hi, Im Jo, a backyard gardener who grows food. Second, smell the cabbage. If they are on the first layer of leaves, you can simply get rid of those instead of throwing away the entire cabbage. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months. These foods are known to affect gut movements and cause abdominal grumblings when eaten in excess. Roasted cabbage has a mild, sweet and buttery flavor, as well as a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This Is How To Remove The Bitterness. Bitter cabbage can be natural due to its compounds or can be a sign that the cabbage is going bad. There are enzymes in green vegetables that break down chlorophyll, which are released when you cut vegetables or cook them. Food poisoning is a common complication during travel. These compounds contain sulfur, which has a distinctive odor and flavor. In certain colder climates, you can plant cabbage for two harvesting seasonssummer and fall. The researchers say that people who are sickened by cooked cabbage should avoid eating it. Is it OK to eat bitter cabbage? When you salt any vegetable that has high water content, the salt draws out some of the water by simple osmosis. So how long does cooked cabbage usually last before going bad? If the bitterness of red or green cabbage bothers you, try swapping it for the Nappa or Savoy variety. Some other common traits that will be noticeable before the smell is shrinking or shriveling outside leaves on the whole cabbage. Cabbage sometimes has a mildly bitter flavor. Any kind of cell damage makes the cabbage go by more quickly and degrades the vitamin C content. It can easily be dangerous for blood sugar levels, that is why its best to know that cabbage might be a friend, but can be very dangerous in the longer run. For an autumn harvest, cabbage seeds should be sown directly in the garden in the middle of the summer (usually around mid-July). Keep it better in the cellar. How long does cooked cabbage last in the fridge? Then add it to salads or sandwiches or turn it into coleslaw. Dysgeusia can be caused by many different factors, including infection, some medications and vitamin deficiencies. Once it gets too hot, it will cause the cabbage to taste poorly. How do you know if cooked cabbage is bad? Remove the corned beef rom the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Bubly, what do you think your burda will overshadow the popularly beloved Olivier? So all you have to do is to fill a pot with water, let it boil, and drop your cabbage in for one or two minutes, then take it out and let it cool. The bitterness of cooked cabbage can be attributed to a variety of factors, including environmental factors, spoilage from spoilage bacteria and fungi, and cooking temperatures. What Tools and Products Do I Need to Clean My Home? You might not have a green thumb yet, but thats all about to change! Drain the cabbage into a strainer. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked. We'll also explore ways to cook cabbage to make it more palatable for your taste buds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In addition, adding salty, sweet or sour flavorings helps block bitterness, so try a little salt or a squeeze of lemon. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines. Leaves can be used as wrappers for making steamed rolls and wraps especially nice with sweeter fillings.. Try to minimize any bruising of your cabbages. Food poisoning is a condition that can be caused by eating food that is not safe. It is safe to eat. Their high fiber can also make them hard to digest. His recipe portal www.sanjeevkapoor.com is a complete cookery manual with a compendium of more than 10,000 tried & tested recipes, videos, articles, tips & trivia and a wealth of information on the art and craft of cooking in both English and Hindi. Note that while you can freeze an entire head of cabbage, its not ideal, as it will take up a lot of freezer space and take a long time to thaw. Overcooking will result in limp, pasty cabbage and produce a very unpleasant smell. In fact, fruits and vegetables have caused a number food poisoning outbreaks, particularly lettuce, spinach, cabbage, celery and tomatoes ( 10 ). Using straight vinegar will obviously be more tart, so a simple solution can be to add mayonnaise, yogurt, or add more shredded vegetables. It is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts, short-term. These compounds contain sulfur, which has a distinctive odor and flavor. Avoid any cabbages that appear to have had their outer leaves removed, as this signals that the store tried to remove the signs of aging. The coating effect of these ingredients helps to mask unpleasant sensations on the tongue, and they also offer a soothing and savory taste to your soup. We made Foodiosity.com because we are very passionate and curious about food and food stuffs, and weve always got a ton of questions. Cover the basket with a lid and steam until the cabbage is tender and crisp. The edges get nice and crispy and caramelized in the oven. When applied to the skin: Cabbage is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin, short-term. Posted on Published: July 18, 2022- Last updated: July 20, 2022, Why Is Risotto Hard To Make? No bitterness, if anthing, maybe even a little sweet. In addition, adding salty, sweet or sour flavorings helps block bitterness, so try a little salt or a squeeze of lemon. In fact, fruits and vegetables have caused a number food poisoning outbreaks, particularly lettuce, spinach, cabbage, celery and tomatoes ( 10 ). But why is it for a couple of times, Ive done the same thing, my cabbage tasted so bitter that I couldnt eat it at all. If it's brown or black, it's probably bad. FOR ROASTED OR BAKED CABBAGE STEAKS: Roast or Bake the cabbage steaks at 400F for about 25 minutes, until the tops are browned (with crispy edges) and the center is tender. When applied to the skin: Cabbage is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin, short-term. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months. Here's my theory. Saute for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring sometimes, up until the cabbage hurts and begins to brown. These tools will help, The use of saltpeter for cucumbers: how and when to feed, Spraying cucumbers with a solution of milk and iodine: how to water, When to harvest garlic planted before winter in the Urals in 2019. The salt will help quite a lot in removing the bitterness from the cabbage, especially if you give it a few hours to get into the cabbage. Keep in mind thatonions are sweet only when cooked. Then, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400F. Dear Home-Ec 101,Ive cooked cabbage a few times. They are a breeding nest to the deadly parasite known as tapeworm. Do you cook cabbage covered or uncovered? Because of this, bitterness. Also, knowing those signs will help you buy good fresh cabbage from the market. Am I suggesting you dump sugar in your cabbage willy-nilly? Cabbage with an off smell should be discarded immediately. Fresh cabbage will not have a strong smell. When plant cells are broken, the oils are separated from the sugar molecules by an enzyme and released as a very bitter compound. Just as the enzyme lipase breaks down fats and eventually turns them rancid (learn how to avoid rancid bone broth), proteases degrade protein chains and eventually make proteins bitter. A few methods exist that will help you to remove some of the bitterness of cabbage before you consume it.