With so many different vegetable varieties in the world today, you may be wondering if there’s a difference between pak choi and bok choy. Are they related to one another, or are they from distinctly different plant species? How can you learn to tell these two veggies apart, including in the ways you use them and grow them?
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about pak choi and bok choy so that you can learn what makes both of these plants special. In addition, we will address what they look like physically, what they taste like, and the cuisines in which they are commonly used. Let’s get started and talk all about this cabbage variety now!
Comparing Pak Choi vs Bok Choy
| Pak Choi | Bok Choy | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Brassica rapa var. Chinensis | Brassica rapa var. Chinensis |
| Description | Cabbage like in appearance, with many green leaves sprouting from a central white bulb. Crunchy white stems and delicate green leaves that are rounded and ruffled at the top. Veins extend upward through the leaves, depending on age | Cabbage like in appearance, with many green leaves sprouting from a central white bulb. Crunchy white stems and delicate green leaves that are rounded and ruffled at the top. Veins extend upward through the leaves, depending on age |
| Uses | Used in a variety of cuisines around the world, including stir frys, sautees, raw in salads, and more. Common in Asian cuisine, but readily used in other cuisines as well | Used in a variety of cuisines around the world, including stir frys, sautees, raw in salads, and more. Common in Asian cuisine, but readily used in other cuisines as well |
| Nutrition Information | High in Vitamin C and K, as well as folate and fiber | High in Vitamin C and K, as well as folate and fiber |
| Special Features and Fun Facts | The common name for this particular plant in the UK! | The common name for this particular plant in the US! |
Key Differences Between Pak Choi vs Bok Choy
Pak choi and bok choy are the same plant, known scientifically as
Brassica rapa var. Chinensis.©iStock.com/CreativeFire
There are no real differences between pak choi and bok choy, save where these names are used. Pak choi and bok choy are the same plant, known scientifically as Brassica rapa var. Chinensis. However, pak choi is the name commonly used in the UK, while bok choy is the name commonly used in the US. This is the primary and only difference between these two vegetables.
Let’s talk about pak choi (or bok choy!) in more detail now.
Pak Choi vs Bok Choy: Classification
Given that there is no real difference between pak choi and bok choy, they both belong to the same plant family. This is commonly known as the mustard family, and pak choi or bok choy is typically referred to as Chinese cabbage. Not to be confused with napa cabbage, bok choy or pak choi is scientifically known as Brassica rapa var. Chinensis.
Pak Choi vs Bok Choy: Description
Pak choi or bok choy is fairly compact in form, with a centralized white bulb or root that has light green leaves growing out of it.
©iStock.com/karimitsu
If you’ve never seen bok choy at your local supermarket, it’s fairly easy to identify compared to other varieties of cabbage on the shelves. For example, pak choi or bok choy is fairly compact in form, with a centralized white bulb or root that has light green leaves growing out of it. These leaves are not very dense, such as the leaves found on green cabbage. They are easy to separate from their base and each other, with unique ruffling along the tops of the leaves.Â
Speaking of the leaves, these typically have white veins through them, depending on their age. The leaves are much less crunchy compared to the white stems found on this particular plant, and the overall flavor found in bok choy is mild and sweet. It is a great cabbage variety if you aren’t looking for too much flavor or bitterness!
Pak Choi vs Bok Choy: Uses
Bok choy or pak choi is great in stir frys or salads, and you can use it as a cabbage alternative in just about any recipe.
©iStock.com/yodaswaj
Pak choi and bok choy are used in a variety of cuisines, despite them being known as Chinese cabbage. While bok choy is popular in a variety of Asian cuisines, it is also extremely popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. For example, pak choi or bok choy is great in stir frys or salads, and you can use it as a cabbage alternative in just about any recipe.
Pak Choi vs Bok Choy: Nutrition Information
Just like a number of other cabbage varieties, pak choi or bok choy is packed with valuable vitamins and minerals. For example, bok choy is high in vitamin C and vitamin K as well as fiber and folate. All of these things are fantastic for the average person, but folic acid is extremely valuable to those undergoing pregnancy.
Pak Choi vs Bok Choy: Special Features
Just like a number of other cabbage varieties, pak choi or bok choy is packed with valuable vitamins and minerals.
©iStock.com/Peter Zijlstra
While you may have heard of this particular cabbage variety by a number of names, pak choi and bok choy are the same plants. In fact, pak choi is the common name for this vegetable in the United Kingdom, while bok choy is the common name of this vegetable in the United States. Regardless of why this occurred, this is a great cabbage plant to incorporate into your daily diet!
The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/CreativeFire
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