I don't understand the concept of coleslaw? Where does it belong in the Salad family tree?

Question

I never tried it when it was served in school lunches, because it looked like cabbage mixed with milk, ranch dressing without the "ranch". It didn't smell like anything. Which country invented it? I'll assume it was the great great precursor to the modern " Creamy Ranch" salad dressing. Is it the way it is because of its nation of origin? (e.g. if it had curry in it, it must be from India). I never tried sauerkraut, but at least I understand its reason of existance (pickling). Was it invented to only be eaten at picnics when paired with certain bbq/picnic foods? By the way, I love caesar dressing and I love Kim Chee (only "King's" brand - they sell it at Pak n' Save) I won't eat homemade kim chee or other kinds like Sorabol. I do like those two items because caesar dressing and the King's kim chee have very strong flavors, due in part to the garlic in each of them.

Answer 1

I love coleslaw, as long as it doesn't have onion in it. I prefer the mayonaisse variety, with some vinegar thrown in. I eat it with fish and chips, and on some sandwiches. Here's what I found on Wiki about it:

Coleslaw (or cole slaw) is a salad consisting primarily, and minimally, of shredded, raw, white cabbage, although it often also includes shredded carrots. There are many variations of the recipe which include the addition of other ingredients, such as red cabbage, pineapple, or apple. It is usually mixed with a dressing which traditionally consists of, or is based on, vegetable oil and vinegar or a vinaigrette. In the U.S. coleslaw often contains mayonnaise (or its substitutes); although, many regional variations exist, and recipes incorporating prepared mustard are also common. A variety of seasonings may be added. The dressing is usually allowed to settle on the blended ingredients for several hours before being served. The cabbage may come in finely minced pieces, shredded strips, or small squares.

Coleslaw was probably consumed, in its earliest form, in the times of the ancient Romans. Since then, it has been adopted by many cultures, including (but not limited to) United Kingdom, the U.S, Germany, Belgium, and Spain. However, the mayonnaise variety of coleslaw could not have arisen until the 18th century as mayonnaise was not yet invented. The term, "cole slaw", arose in the 18th century as a partial translation from the Dutch term "koolsla", a shortening of "koolsalade", which means "cabbage salad". It was commonly called cold slaw in England until the 1860s when "cole" (meaning cabbage) was revived. "Cole" originates from the Latin, colis, meaning "cabbage", and is the origin of the Dutch word as well. In addition to calling it "coleslaw," U.S. Southerners also refer to it as "slaw."

Answer 2

Basically coleslaw is coleslaw because of the vinegar based dressing used, mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. If you omit the vinegar you will have cabbage salad, which is what I prefer. Typically the recipe contains just shredded cabbage and carrots, you can add other things like chopped scallions or pineapple to suit your taste.

Answer 3

The term coleslaw is a late 19th century term, which originated in the United States. Cole slaw (cold slaw) got it's name from the Dutch “kool sla”- the word “kool” means cabbage and “sla” is salad - meaning simply, cabbage salad. In English, that became “cole slaw” and eventually “cold slaw.” The original Dutch “kool sla” was most likely served hot.

Answer 4

Cole Slaw is in the BBQ family.

Isn't it a national crime, to eat BBQ without cole slaw ?

If not, it should be.

Why do people eat mayonaise ?

Isn't it just sour salad dressing?

Answer 5

There is no salad family tree. Cole slaw is a deli salad like potato salad. Cole slaw is generally made with mayo like other deli salads...not ranch dressing.

Answer 6

it is shredded cabbage mixed with mayo sometimes raisins and or carrots. i hate mayo so never eat it. kim chee is great though,

Answer 7

You should just try it one day......although not everyone is good. Some have a strange taste to it. If you have a KFC around get some from there and try it. It's really good.

Answer 8

It is nasty and i hate coleslaw..