Here’s a treasured vegetable from the mountains of Lishan presented in one lightweight and convenient package: cabbage.

Cabbage is well-loved in Taiwan, especially prized when grown in the cooler climes of mountainous regions. At high altitudes, cruciferous vegetables grow to be sweeter and crisper than their flatland cousins, embodying that je ne sais quoi of mountain air. Lishan (pear mountain) is known for its scenic landscapes, apples, pears, and also its vegetables. These cabbages are raised on He Huan mountain spring water, and they bring tourists.

Because we can’t (yet) ship you Lishan cabbage straight off the field, we’ve worked with a Yunlin-based vegetable co-op to bring you a dried version mixed with carrots from the same region. This dried, seasoned cabbage and carrot mix is a shortcut to filling your life with Taiwan veg, even with limited time and space. Throw a handful into your noodles on the stove, or make a quick cabbage sipping broth that will comfort you on a crisp, wintery morning (and a hot summer’s day, if mom had her way).

The manufacturer pointed out that these are great in a water shortage, because you don’t have to wash the vegetables. Hopefully, you’re not and will never be in a water shortage (protect our natural resources), but we would like to point out they are also great for camping trips and dorm rooms where washing and processing fresh vegetables is a bit inconvenient.

To use, steep a handful in hot water. Watch as the fleurette leaves soften, unfurl, and bloom into wisps of orange, yellow, and green. Salt and sip the broth directly. If adding to a soup or a braise, don’t even bother soaking. Or, strain, squeeze dry, and add into your dumpling mix, fried rice, or stir-fry. Throw a couple handfuls into your rice cooker when making rice, then mix it together for a fun confetti look. Sprinkles.

(If you really want to up your soup game, check out our stock bundle for featuring our favorite dried ingredients for stock.)

Note that this cabbage mix is pre-seasoned with salt and a tiny bit of sugar which helps preserve it. This mirrors the typical preparation of cabbage, where a pinch of sugar is added into stir fries. It's not very sweet or salty, but if you'd like to remove the seasoning, give it a short soak and a rinse.

Tasting Notes and Usage

sweet, peppery, and tender

Ingredients and Instructions

Cabbage, carrot, salt, sugar

Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator after opening.

Add directly to soups and stocks or boil in water for one minute. If you're making instant ramen or noodles, boil in the cooking water for one minute. For dry applications, soak, squeeze dry, and add to a stir-fry, dumpling mix, or any other recipe you can dream up.

For an instant soup, steep in hot water until leaves are soft; add salt to taste and consume as a sipping broth.

Specifications and Dimensions