The Ultimate Guide to Buying Beetroots: Smooth or Knobby, We’ve Got You Covered!

Củ cải is a popular vegetable in Vietnam and can be found in most markets and supermarkets. However, not all củ cải are created equal, and knowing how to select the best ones can make a big difference in terms of taste and quality.

Tips for Choosing the Best Củ Cải:

1. Inspect the Skin:

Look for củ cải with a smooth, round shape. A smooth skin indicates that the vegetable has absorbed an adequate amount of water during its growth, resulting in a more delicate texture and superior flavor. These củ cải also tend to have a longer shelf life and can be stored for up to ten days without losing their quality.

Avoid those with shriveled or damaged skin, as they are likely to be rotten on the inside, with hollow or blackened centers. Củ cải with slightly rough skin should also be bypassed, as they may have absorbed less water during growth, resulting in a harder texture and inferior taste.

Additionally, be wary of củ cải with an unusually white and shiny appearance, as they may have been treated with bleaching agents to enhance their visual appeal. Such vegetables are not suitable for consumption due to potential health risks.

2. Consider the Size:

While large củ cải may look impressive, they might not always be the best choice. Unless you are certain of the internal quality, it is advisable to opt for medium-sized ones. Overly large củ cải tend to have diluted nutrients to support their excessive growth, resulting in hollow and less flavorful centers. They may also be less sweet and slightly drier.

On the other hand, very small củ cải indicate a short growth cycle, and their taste may be overly pungent and underdeveloped compared to larger ones.

Hence, go for củ cải of moderate size, as they strike a balance between moisture, sweetness, and crispness.

3. Examine the Leaves:

The leaves of củ cải are perishable and can provide insights into the freshness of the vegetable. If the leaves are entirely green, it suggests that the củ cải was harvested recently. On the other hand, if the củ cải has no leaves or the leaves have turned yellow, it is best to avoid them, as they may be rotten or hollow inside.

4. Weight Matters:

When comparing two similarly sized củ cải, opt for the heavier one. A heavier củ cải indicates higher moisture content, resulting in a sweeter and more delicious taste. The flesh of these củ cải tends to be juicier and more tender. Lighter củ cải, on the other hand, have less water content and may not taste as good.

5. Check the Roots:

Finally, take a look at the roots of the củ cải. The best choice is a single, long root, indicating sufficient nutrient absorption. Conversely, short and thick roots suggest a lack of nutrients.

Also, inspect the củ cải for any signs of damage or bruising, as such vegetables are challenging to store and tend to spoil quickly.