Among all vegetables, cabbage is the best; of all meats, pork is the most fragrant.

There is a saying that goes, "Among all vegetables, cabbage is the best; among all meats, pork is the most fragrant." This means that among meats, pork is the most aromatic, and among vegetables, none is tastier than cabbage. Do cabbage and pork live up to this saying?

Pork and Cabbage Buns

Cabbage is easy to store, affordable, and versatile in cooking. It can be paired with most dishes, making it a true "commoner's vegetable" and a "versatile ingredient." Whether braised, stir-fried, stewed, or pan-seared, or used as a filling, in a cold salad, or for pickling, as long as it's cooked properly, cabbage is a delight that never gets tiresome. From a nutritional standpoint, Chinese cabbage belongs to the cruciferous family and is rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, aid digestion, and prevent constipation. Notably, the vitamin C content in Chinese cabbage is higher than in apples and pears, comparable to that of citrus fruits, and yet it has much lower calories. However, despite its many benefits, the levels of certain nutrients in cabbage, such as chlorophyll, are far lower than in green leafy vegetables. Therefore, the saying "cabbage is the best of all vegetables" is somewhat one-sided. Different vegetables each have their own advantages, and a varied diet is more in line with the principles of nutritional balance.

The main reason pork is considered the most fragrant of all meats is its higher fat content compared to other meats. Fatty pork has about 44% fat, while lean pork is still over 20%. Generally, the higher the fat content, the more flavorful the meat. Nutritionally, pork's vitamin B1 content far surpasses that of other meats. In particular, the vitamin B1 in lean pork is more than four times that in beef and over five times that in lamb and chicken. Vitamin B1 helps convert sugar into energy and can effectively relieve human fatigue. However, because pork is high in fat, people who are obese or have high blood lipids should control their intake.

Pork and cabbage are also a perfect match. Pork, especially lean pork, is relatively more economical and nutritious compared to other meats. Have you had pork and cabbage this winter?