CALIFORNIA GROWN
Ah, the humble head of cabbage. Often relegated to coleslaw duty, this versatile veggie deserves a starring role on your dinner table. California boasts some of the freshest, most flavorful cabbage year-round, and with a bit of know-how, you can transform it into a show-stopping vegetarian dish like this Creamy Mushroom and Cabbage Casserole.
When you're at your local farmers market or grocery store, eyeing those lush green cabbages, how do you pick the best one for making cabbage casserole? It's simpler than you think!
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1. Refrigerate Right Away: Green cabbage loves the cold. Store it in your refrigerator's crisper drawer to maintain its freshness. 2. Keep It Whole: If you can, keep the cabbage whole until you're ready to use it. Once cut, it begins to lose its Vitamin C content. 3. Wrap It Up: If you've cut into your cabbage, wrap the remaining portion tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It can last like this for a few days.
Before your cabbage makes its way into your casserole dish, a good clean-up is essential. There is nothing worse than spending all that time cooking a delicious meal only to find there is dirt and grit present when you take a bite. Clean-up is easy and super quick, just follow the tips below.
1. Remove the Outer Leaves: Peel away the outer leaves, as they're more likely to carry dirt and grime. 2. Rinse Under Cold Water: Give the cabbage a good rinse under cold running water to remove any lingering dirt. 3. Dry It Off: Pat the cabbage dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Moisture can promote spoilage, so you want it dry before storing or using it.
While we can all agree that green cabbage is the real superstar of this recipe, there are a few more key players from the Golden State at play here. Mushrooms, real California milk and cheese, olive oil, garlic, onion, and walnuts are all integral parts of this hearty meal.
Mushrooms, another fantastic ingredient for your casseroles, have a unique growing process, especially here in California. At Far West Fungi, mushrooms are grown in carefully controlled environments, ensuring the perfect balance of humidity, temperature, and fresh air to mimic their natural growing conditions. Starting from spores, these fungi are nurtured on a substrate of organic materials, such as wood chips or straw, depending on the mushroom type.
Armed with the freshest California-grown green cabbage and knowledge of how mushrooms are grown and thrive in California, you're all set to create sensational dishes that celebrate the best of the Golden State's produce. Remember, whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, the quality of your ingredients is key to the success of your meals. And when those ingredients are sourced from California, you're not only enjoying delicious food but also supporting our state's farmers and sustainable agriculture.
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