Wawa Cai (娃娃菜)

Wawa Cai, also known as the mini Chinese cabbage, is a beloved staple vegetable in Asian cuisine renowned for its tender texture and mildly sweet flavour . This versatile leafy green vegetable is a smaller variety of Chinese cabbage and is often used to enhance a wide range of dishes. This makes them an essential veggies in many traditional recipes across China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Whether you're adding it to a stir-fry, soup, or salad, Wawa Cai's low-calorie, nutrient-dense profile makes it a cheap veggie in Singapore for those seeking a healthy, flavourful addition to your meals.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAWA CAI (BABY BOK CHOY) AND NAPA CABBAGE

Wawa Cai is It shares a close relation with two widely cultivated types of Chinese cabbage. Despite its smaller size compared to regular napa cabbage, Wawa Cai boasts  a rich nutrient profile and a higher calcium content than regular napa cabbage. Though its vitamin C content is slightly lower than that of regular napa cabbage, its calcium content is higher, making it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their calcium intake while keeping their caloric consumption in check.

HOW TO COOK WA WA CAI

1. Wash and slice the Wawa Cai, garlic shoots, garlic cloves, and dried chili peppers.

2. Heat oil in a pan, then add the garlic cloves, dried chili peppers, and the white parts of the garlic shoots. Stir-fry until aromatic.

3. Add the sliced Wawa Cai and the green parts of the garlic shoots. Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.

4. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce and salt to taste.

5. Serve hot.

FUN FACTS & TIPS

Wawa Cai, often referred to as "High Mountain Wawa Cai," was first introduced to China and cultivated in the high-altitude regions of Tonghai County, Yunnan Province, at elevations of 1,500 meters. Its delicate texture and sweet flavour are a testament to its high-altitude origin, which contributes to its unique culinary appeal.

NUTRITION & HEALTH BENEFITS

• Vitamin C for immune health and skin vitality.
• Important for cell division and proper fetal development.
• Crucial for bone health
• Supports muscle repair and growth

Highly nutritious yet low in calories and carbohydrates, Wawa Cai is an excellent addition to any healthy diet. It is packed with fiber, vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants.

Common Names:  Member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and a variety of Brassica Rapa. Napa Cabbage, Brassica Rapa, Pekinensis Group, Baechu, Dà Bái Cài, Celery Cabbage, Celery Cabbage, Siu Choy, Hakusai Wombok, Wong Bok, Won Bok, Wong Ngaa Baak, Chinese Leaf, Winter Cabbage, Petsay, Pe̍h-tshài, Pechay Baguio, Petsai, Pe-tsai, Wombok, Pekinskaya Kapusta, Пекинская Капуста, Beijing Cabbage, 大白菜, 紹菜, 배추, 黃芽白, 紹菜, 白菜, 元宵白菜, 娃娃菜, Da Bai Cai, Pao, Hsin Pei, Pe-tsai, Kimchi Cabbage, Milk Cabbage