That it is a vegetable with numerous beneficial properties is well known, but the external uses of savoy cabbage — effective for many ailments — are far less so.
It belongs to a family rich in virtues: savoy cabbage, along with its "cousins" broccoli and cabbage, is a vegetable rich in antioxidants, such as provitamin A and vitamin C, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron and copper, as well as containing plenty of fibre and very few calories. This brief list alone is enough to make it an ally worth putting on the table often during winter, when it is in season.
Savoy cabbage helps to strengthen the immune system, and therefore to protect us from the classic winter ailments; it improves the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles, stimulates diuresis and the thyroid, and consequently the metabolism. These last effects are ideal for those who need to keep their weight in check, and are enhanced by the fibre content, the high satiety value and the low calorie intake of savoy cabbage.
This salad is enriched with pomegranate and a tahini-based sauce. A seasonal recipe to be thoroughly enjoyed!
Delightful parcels stuffed with potato and squash, quick and easy to prepare.
A vegetarian take on savoy cabbage rolls with the addition of walnuts. Perfect served with a yogurt sauce.
As well as being a tasty and healthy food, savoy cabbage can be turned into an effective remedy for many ailments. First and foremost, for bruises and inflammation. In these cases, the outer, larger leaves are used raw to make compresses. They should first be washed, dried and stripped of the central rib, then flattened by rolling a bottle over them so as to release the beneficial juice, and finally applied to the affected area and covered with a cotton cloth. The compress should be left on for at least two hours, and ideally overnight.
This compress can also be used in cases of coughing, to help clear phlegm, by placing a leaf prepared as just described on the chest; or it can be applied to the abdomen in cases of stomach cramps or diarrhoea.
Chop a couple of leaves and spread them over the face, avoiding the area around the eyes and the lips. Leave the mask on for a quarter of an hour before removing it with a tissue and then rinsing well with cool water.