Chinese cabbage is a staple vegetable in Chinese cooking, known for its versatility and mild taste.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A common and versatile Chinese vegetable.
- Used in various dishes, from stir-fries to stews.
- Mild flavor, crisp texture, essential in Chinese cuisine.
Overview
白菜（Báicài），英文通常翻译为 Chinese cabbage 或 Napa cabbage，是一种非常普遍的蔬菜，属于十字花科。它在中国及东亚地区广泛种植和食用，是日常饮食的重要组成部分。白菜的种类繁多，常见的有大白菜（Napa cabbage）、小白菜（Bok choy）等，它们的形态、口感和烹饪方式略有不同。大白菜通常叶片较大，包裹紧实，适合炖煮或腌制；小白菜则叶片较小，梗脆嫩，适合清炒或做汤。
白菜的用法非常灵活，可以单独烹饪，也可以与其他食材搭配。它既可以作为主菜，也可以作为配菜。在烹饪方法上，白菜可以生吃（如凉拌），但更常见的是熟食，包括炒、炖、煮、蒸、腌制（如酸菜）等多种方式。由于其味道清淡，它能够很好地吸收其他调味料的味道，因此在很多菜肴中都能发挥重要作用。
白菜最常出现在家庭厨房和餐馆的菜单上。在日常生活中，人们会在菜市场或超市购买白菜来制作家常菜，如白菜炖豆腐、醋溜白菜、白菜炒肉片等。在北方地区，冬季储存大量的腌制白菜（酸菜）是一种传统习俗。此外，在一些节日宴席上，白菜也可能以不同的形式出现，象征着“百财”（与白菜谐音），寓意着财富和好运。
与白菜（Báicài）相近的蔬菜有：
Examples
这道醋溜白菜酸甜可口，我很喜欢。
everydayThis sweet and sour shredded cabbage is delicious, I really like it.
冬季是腌制白菜（酸菜）的季节。
culturalWinter is the season for pickling Chinese cabbage (sauerkraut).
来一盘清炒小白菜吧！
informalLet's have a plate of stir-fried bok choy!
大白菜的种植历史悠久，是中国重要的经济作物之一。
academicNapa cabbage has a long history of cultivation and is one of China's important economic crops.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
家常白菜
home-style Chinese cabbage
一棵白菜
one head/cabbage
腌白菜
pickled Chinese cabbage
Often Confused With
While both are cruciferous vegetables, Chinese cabbage (like Napa cabbage) typically has elongated leaves and a softer texture, whereas Western cabbage is rounder and denser, often used raw in salads.
Lettuce is primarily eaten raw in salads and has looser, more delicate leaves. Chinese cabbage is more versatile, cooked in various ways, and has a firmer texture.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Chinese cabbage is a very common and widely used vegetable in everyday Chinese cooking. It is generally considered a neutral ingredient, suitable for both home cooking and restaurant dishes. Its mild flavor makes it highly adaptable to different regional cuisines within China.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '白菜' (báicài) with '包菜' (bāocài), which refers to Western cabbage (head cabbage). While related, they have different textures and culinary uses. Also, remember that '小白菜' (xiǎo báicài) specifically refers to bok choy, a smaller variety.
Tips
Versatile Ingredient in Cooking
Don't hesitate to experiment with different cooking methods for Chinese cabbage. It adapts well to various flavors and techniques.
Storage Considerations
Whole heads of Napa cabbage can be stored in a cool, humid place for a few weeks. Cut cabbage spoils faster; store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Symbol of Prosperity
In Chinese culture, the pronunciation of 'baicai' sounds like 'hundred fortunes,' making it a symbol of wealth and good luck.
Word Origin
The character '白' (bái) means 'white', referring to the pale color of the inner leaves or stalk. '菜' (cài) means 'vegetable'. The term '白菜' collectively refers to various types of Chinese cabbage.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '白菜' (báicài) sounds similar to '百财' (bǎi cái), meaning 'hundred fortunes' or 'a hundred kinds of wealth'. Therefore, it's often used in decorations or as a symbolic food during Chinese New Year to wish for prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'hundred treasures' (百财 - bǎi cái) in a big white vegetable (白菜 - báicài), symbolizing good fortune and abundance.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions白菜最常见的种类有大白菜（Napa cabbage）和小白菜（Bok choy）。大白菜叶片大而紧实，适合炖煮；小白菜叶片较小，梗脆，适合清炒。
白菜的烹饪方式多种多样，包括清炒、炖煮、炒、蒸、腌制（如酸菜）等。它还可以生吃，例如凉拌。
白菜富含维生素C、维生素K以及膳食纤维。虽然不如菠菜等绿叶蔬菜营养密度高，但它仍然是健康饮食的重要组成部分。
是的，在中国文化中，“白菜”与“百财”（bǎi cái）谐音，有招财进宝的好寓意，尤其是在春节期间。
Test Yourself
我喜欢用______炖豆腐，味道非常鲜美。
白菜炖豆腐是一道经典的家常菜，所以这里填“白菜”最合适。
What is the most common English translation for 白菜?
虽然Cabbage（卷心菜）是近亲，但白菜（特指Napa cabbage或Bok choy）最准确的英文翻译是Chinese cabbage。
请将下列词语组成一个关于白菜的句子：炖 / 我 / 喜欢 / 白菜 / 和 / 豆腐
这个选项构成了“我喜欢炖白菜和豆腐”的句子，语法正确且意思连贯。
Score: /3
Summary
Chinese cabbage is a staple vegetable in Chinese cooking, known for its versatility and mild taste.
- A common and versatile Chinese vegetable.
- Used in various dishes, from stir-fries to stews.
- Mild flavor, crisp texture, essential in Chinese cuisine.
Versatile Ingredient in Cooking
Don't hesitate to experiment with different cooking methods for Chinese cabbage. It adapts well to various flavors and techniques.
Storage Considerations
Whole heads of Napa cabbage can be stored in a cool, humid place for a few weeks. Cut cabbage spoils faster; store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Symbol of Prosperity
In Chinese culture, the pronunciation of 'baicai' sounds like 'hundred fortunes,' making it a symbol of wealth and good luck.
Examples
4 of 4这道醋溜白菜酸甜可口，我很喜欢。
This sweet and sour shredded cabbage is delicious, I really like it.
冬季是腌制白菜（酸菜）的季节。
Winter is the season for pickling Chinese cabbage (sauerkraut).
来一盘清炒小白菜吧！
Let's have a plate of stir-fried bok choy!
大白菜的种植历史悠久，是中国重要的经济作物之一。
Napa cabbage has a long history of cultivation and is one of China's important economic crops.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一瓶
B1A bottle of.
一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
