Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage: What’s the Difference?

Written by August Croft
Published: August 8, 2022
Share on:

Advertisement


If you’re relatively new to learning about all of the cabbage varieties available in the world, you may be wondering what the differences are between a savoy cabbage vs green cabbage. What separates these two cabbage species from one another, and in what ways are they similar? Everyone has their favorite type of cabbage, and one of these may be yours! 

In this article, we will compare and contrast the savoy cabbage with the green cabbage so that you can gain a full understanding of both varieties. We will address their physical descriptions and tastes, as well as what they are commonly used for and their nutritional information. Let’s get started and learn all about cabbages now! 

Comparing Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage
Green cabbage has more of a peppery flavor compared to the mild flavor of savoy cabbage.
Savoy CabbageGreen Cabbage
ClassificationBrassica oleracea var. sabaudaBrassica oleracea var. capitata
DescriptionRounded vegetable covered in crinkled green leaves that look similar to napa cabbage. Dense, heavy, with some yellow leaves the further in you cut. Mild and buttery in flavor, with a nice green note.Round, light green vegetable made up of compacted leaves. Dense, heavy, and ranges in shades of green, but typically remains light. Peppery and sweet, mild in flavor, and only gets sweeter as you cook it. 
UsesBest of both worlds compared to green cabbage and napa cabbage; tender leaves are ideal when eaten raw, but also stands up well to cookingEaten raw, sauteed, roasted, stir fried, pickled, steamed, boiled, fermented, and more. Leaves are sturdy enough that you can wrap things in them, even after blanching
Nutrition InfoFull of Vitamin K and fiber, as well as waterFull of Vitamin K and Vitamin C, as well as water
Special FeaturesOriginated sometime during the 1500s, in a region of Italy ruled by the Savoy House!Originating in China sometime during 4000 BC, cabbage is one of the oldest vegetables known to man!

Key Differences Between Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage

The savoy cabbage is known as

sabauda

, while green cabbage is known as

capitata

.

©iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov

There are a number of key differences between Savoy cabbages and green cabbages. For example, savoy cabbage leaves are crinkled compared to the untextured leaves of the green cabbage. Green cabbage has more of a peppery flavor compared to the mild flavor of savoy cabbage. Finally, savoy cabbage originated in Italy, while green cabbage is a much older variety of cabbage. 

Let’s go over all of these differences and a few more in detail now. 

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage: Classification

Savoy cabbage and green cabbage are closely linked, belonging to the same genus and species. However, these two cabbages are cousins to one another, as they are technically different varieties. For example, the savoy cabbage is known as sabauda, while green cabbage is known as capitata

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage: Description

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage

Savoy cabbage has wrinkly or textured leaves compared to the relatively smooth leaves found on the green cabbage. 

©yurilily/Shutterstock.com

It is easy to tell green cabbage apart from savoy cabbage using one very distinct feature. Otherwise, these two cabbage varieties are strikingly similar, and there are very little differences in their nutritional values. However, savoy cabbage has wrinkly or textured leaves compared to the relatively smooth leaves found on the green cabbage. 

You can easily tell us a savoy cabbage from a green cabbage based on these textured leaves, as they are strikingly similar to the leaves found on napa cabbage. However, savoy cabbage and green cabbage are rounded heads, dense and compacted. They grow to similar sizes and are similar shades of green, though the savoy cabbage has yellow leaves the further into it you get, while green cabbage does not feature this. 

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage: Uses

The savoy cabbage has yellow leaves the further into it you get, while green cabbage does not feature this. 

©iStock.com/egal

You can use green cabbage and savoy cabbage interchangeably, across a variety of culinary recipes. However, savoy cabbage tends to hold up better in cooking compared to green cabbage, maintaining a firm texture, while green cabbage can get mushy the longer you cook it. When it comes to their preferred uses, savoy cabbage is popularly used raw in salads and stir-fried, while green cabbage is used in soups, stews, and you can even stuff the leaves! 

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage: Nutrition Information

Savoy cabbage and green cabbage are very similar to each other when it comes to their nutritional benefits. Both options are fantastic if you are consuming a low calorie diet, as water makes up a great deal of their nutritional facts. Green cabbage and savoy cabbage are full of vitamin K and vitamin C, and they also contain a high amount of fiber. Savoy cabbage may contain more antioxidants compared to green cabbage.

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage: Special Features

Savoy Cabbage vs Green Cabbage

When it comes to their preferred uses, savoy cabbage is popularly used raw in salads and stir-fried, while green cabbage is used in soups, stews, and you can even stuff the leaves!

©iStock.com/Tim UR

Savoy cabbage and green cabbage are both special cabbage for varieties for a number of reasons. Just given the fact that cabbage has been around since the year 4000 BC at the latest is a feat in and of itself. However, savoy cabbage is a much younger cabbage variety compared to the classic green cabbage, originating sometime during the 1500s. Interestingly, the savoy cabbage was created in a particular region of Italy, and it was named after the ruling family at that time, named Savoy. 

Given just how versatile green cabbage and savoy cabbage are, you shouldn’t hesitate to incorporate it into your diet! Cabbage varieties are delicious no matter the season, and you can use them in a variety of recipes to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Enjoy shopping for cabbages, whether you want a green cabbage or a savoy cabbage!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov


Share on:
About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.