Cabbage juice is growing in popularity as a health tonic, thanks to its many potential benefits. While juicing fresh cabbage is one way to make cabbage juice, boiling cabbage to extract the juice is another simple and effective method. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps to make boiled cabbage juice, as well as provide tips for customizing your cabbage juice to suit your tastes and health goals.
Introduction
Before we get into the nitty-gritty steps, let’s first go over some background on cabbage juice and why you may want to make your own boiled cabbage juice at home.
Cabbage is packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other beneficial plant compounds like glucosinolates and anthocyanins. Some research suggests that these compounds give cabbage juice anti-cancer, immune-boosting, gut-healing, and detoxification properties.
Additionally, cabbage juice is very low in calories and carbs while providing some fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. It has very few sugars or carbohydrates that can spike blood sugar levels.
Due to its nutrient density and health benefits, many people are turning to home-made cabbage juice as a nutritional strategy. Some even do cabbage juice cleanses by drinking 1-2 quarts of cabbage juice per day for a set period of time.
Now let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of boiling cabbage specifically to make homemade cabbage juice.
Benefits of Boiling Cabbage for Juice
- Boiling thoroughly cooks and softens the cabbage, releasing more juice from the leaves.
- It does not require special equipment like a juicer.
- Boiling sanitizes the cabbage and kills any bacteria present.
- The juice can be easily stored and reheated after boiling.
- Boiling preserves some heat-stable nutrients like vitamin C.
Potential Drawbacks
- Some nutrients like vitamin C and certain antioxidants can be degraded from the boiling process.
- It takes more time and pots/pans than juicing.
- The taste and texture is different than fresh raw cabbage juice.
Overall, boiling cabbage into a juice, broth, or stock is one of the simplest preparation methods and has some advantages over raw juicing. Now let’s get into the step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients
To make boiled cabbage juice, you just need 2 main ingredients:
- Cabbage
- Water
Some additional optional ingredients to customize the taste include:
- Sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or other spices
- Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives
- Lemon juice
- Ginger juice
- Apple cider vinegar
Equipment
You’ll need the following equipment:
- Cutting board and knife
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Colander or fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups
- Storage containers (mason jars or pitchers work well)
Optional equipment that can help streamline the process:
- Food processor to chop cabbage
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag for straining
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by chopping your cabbage into smaller pieces. This helps the cabbage cook faster and release more juice. Depending on your batch size, you may quarter or halve the cabbage heads. Remove any wilted outer leaves.
For even smaller pieces, you can use a food processor fitted with the slicing or shredding disc. Just be sure to pulse it a few times rather than fully processing to get short shreds rather than a mush.
Step 2: Boil the Cabbage
Add your chopped cabbage and water to a large pot. Use at least 2-3 times as much water as cabbage. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 20-30 minutes. The cabbage will become very soft and tender when ready.
Step 3: Strain the Liquid
Line a colander or large bowl with a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. Carefully pour the boiled cabbage and water into the lined strainer.
Let it drain for 10-15 minutes, without pressing or squeezing which can make the juice cloudy. For maximum yield, you can also reserve the cooked cabbage solids and boil them again with fresh water.
Step 4: Season and Add Ingredients (Optional)
If desired, mix in any extra ingredients to taste like lemon juice, herbs, vinegar, or ginger. You can also season with salt and pepper.
Taste test as you season, and adjust to your preferences. The juice itself will likely taste mildly like cabbage water.
Step 5: Store the Cabbage Juice
Let the strained cabbage juice cool to room temperature, then transfer to mason jars or another airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Some separation of sediment is natural – simply shake or stir before drinking. You can also reheat the cabbage juice to serving temperature if desired.
Serving and Consumption Tips
Here are some tips for consuming your boiled cabbage juice:
- Drink chilled or heated – Many prefer it warm, like a broth.
- Flavor it with lemon, herbs, ginger, honey, or vinegar.
- Slowly ramp up how much you drink, from 1/4 cup to 1 cup per day.
- Drink before meals to aid digestion.
- Split your daily portion into multiple smaller servings if drinking a larger amount.
- Combine it with other vegetable juices like carrot or celery juice.
- Pour into ice cube trays to make cabbage juice ice cubes.
Nutrition
The nutrition of boiled cabbage juice depends on the ingredients used. In general, a 1 cup serving provides:
- 13 calories
- 0g fat
- 3g carbs
- 2g sugar
- 1g protein
- 2g fiber
It also contains:
- 61% DV vitamin C
- 5% DV vitamin K
- 4% DV manganese
- 3% DV folate
Cabbage juice is packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins and polyphenols, though these can decrease with boiling.
Possible Health Benefits
Here are some of the possible health benefits associated with drinking cabbage juice regularly:
- Boosts immunity: The vitamin C and antioxidants support immune health.
- Supports detoxification: Contains compounds that boost liver detoxification.
- Reduces inflammation: The antioxidants help lower inflammation throughout the body.
- Gut health: The fiber aids digestion and gut microbiome balance.
- Anti-cancer effects: Compounds like sulforaphane may inhibit cancer cell growth.
That said, more human research on cabbage juice is still needed. Talk to your doctor before using it to treat any specific health conditions.
Possible Side Effects
Cabbage juice is generally very safe, especially when consuming normal culinary amounts. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- May cause gassiness or bloating when consuming larger amounts.
- The high vitamin K content could interfere with blood thinners.
- The sulfur compounds may exacerbate hypothyroidism or certain medication sensitivities in some individuals.
Start with small amounts and discontinue use if any discomfort occurs. Those on medication or with thyroid issues should consult their healthcare provider before regularly drinking cabbage juice.
FAQ
Let’s review some frequently asked questions about making and drinking boiled cabbage juice:
Can I use any type of cabbage?
Yes, any green or purple cabbage variety will work! Red cabbage makes a vivid purple colored juice.
Is boiled cabbage juice less nutritious than raw?
Boiling slightly reduces some heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C and certain antioxidants. However, the difference is likely minimal and boiling also makes some nutrients more bioavailable.
How long does boiled cabbage juice keep?
In an airtight container in the refrigerator, boiled cabbage juice will keep for 2-3 days. Freeze for longer term storage.
Can I drink too much cabbage juice?
Consuming more than 4 cups per day on a regular basis is not recommended, as it may cause GI issues. Moderation is key.
Does it matter what water I use?
Filtered or spring water is best, as it will result in a purer flavored juice. Tap water with chlorine may alter the taste.
Conclusion
Making cabbage juice by boiling is an easy, beginner-friendly method that results in a nourishing health tonic. While not quite the same as raw cabbage juice, boiling maximizes the yield from the cabbage and allows you to easily store batches in the fridge.
Be sure to strain the boiled cabbage thoroughly for a pulp-free cabbage “broth.” Flavor it to your tastes with herbs, spices, vinegar, or citrus for an enjoyable drink you look forward to sipping daily. Pair cabbage juice with a balanced diet, active lifestyle, and speak with your healthcare provider to see if cabbage juice is right for your health regimen.
