napa
n. C / U B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈnæpə// na·pa
n. a type of Chinese cabbage with long, pale green leaves and a mild flavor. It is often used in salads, soups, and stir-fry dishes.
n. a variety of Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa pekinensis, characterized by its oblong shape and tightly packed, crinkled leaves. Often used in East Asian culinary contexts.
I bought a head of napa to make some fresh kimchi.
The chef recommends using napa instead of regular green cabbage for a softer texture in the slaw.
While many varieties of cabbage require long cooking times, napa wilt quickly and absorb the flavors of the broth, making it an ideal ingredient for hot pots.
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the vegetable as a food category; countable when referring to individual heads of cabbage.