Family: Brassicaceae
Common name: Cabbage
Cabbage is a very commonly cultivated and consumed leafy vegetable that is grown in almost all countries of the world.
Though there is no clear evidence, it is believed that Cabbage originated in Europe prior to 1000 BC and was introduced later to other countries. It is eaten raw, steamed, pickled, or stewed in soups, stews, salads, curries, and stir-fries – various dishes that are popular in various countries.
Plant characteristics
Cabbage plants grow to a height of 40-60 cm with broad bluish-green leaves shaped like a rosette, though there is a variant with reddish-purple leaves as well.
Roots are not very deep, most of the roots are restricted to the topsoil, making cabbages very easy to harvest. Stem is very short, strong, and thick to support the weight of thickly packed leaves and the rounded cabbage.
The part that is eaten as a vegetable is the plant head – a bunch of short leaves that are packed very close together. If the plant is left on the ground without harvesting the cabbage, it can flower and produce fruits as well as seeds. Leaves are usually 20-45 cm long with a waxy coating that helps keep the pests away.
Flowers of Cabbage are borne on tall stalks that grow from the middle of the plant head – small, bright yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters. Each flower has 4 petals and is about 1-2 cm in diameter.
These flowers cannot self-pollinate, and hence they depend on insects like bees and butterflies to pollinate them. Cabbage plants produce small pods that are 3-6 cm long containing small black or brown seeds.
Cabbage belongs to the species called Brassica oleraceae that also contains other species like Cauliflower or Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis; Broccoli or Brassica oleracea var. italica; Brussels sprouts orBrassica oleracea var. gemmifera; and Savoy cabbage or Brassica oleracea var. sabauda. All these variants are popular and loved in various cuisines all over the world.
Gardening tips
Cabbage plants are usually germinated from seeds in small trays and then replanted to their final location. They need good sunlight and fertile loamy or sandy soil that is well-draining. These plants prefer relatively cool weather between 13 to 24°C and grow well in early spring or later summer.
Regular watering and fertilization is needed to keep the plants healthy, and to produce good-sized cabbages. A higher concentration of nitrogen in the soil is beneficial to the plant. A well-balanced fertilizer that has nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium(NPK) is recommended.
The common varieties of cabbage are green, red, and Savoy cabbage, green being the most common one. Savoy cabbage is known for its crinkly leaves, loose head, and milder flavor.
Plant the cabbages about 60 cm away from each other so that they have space to grow well.
These plants are very very prone to pests and worms that eat through the leaves happily. A combination of neem oil, insecticidal soap, organic pesticides, and diatomaceous earth can help keep the cabbage plant free from small holes and blackening.
Since they are susceptible to a variety of pests, they are also the plants most likely to contain harmful chemicals when bought from a vendor. So, if you have a small patch of garden, organic cabbage can be grown at home.
Uses of Cabbage
There are many and varied uses of cabbage. They are eaten raw in salads like coleslaw; steamed or cooked and added to soups, stir-fries, or curries; pickled and used in sauerkraut or kimchi, stuffed for dishes like golabki; made into rolls using their broad leaves; made into dumplings and what not. From a simple stir fry to elaborate processes, every country has its version of a favorite cabbage dish.
Cabbages are mostly water, and hence useful in adding fiber to the diet. They are a rich source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K, and they also contain Vitamin B6 and folate. They are helpful in promoting healthy digestion.
They help in detoxifying the body and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Cabbages were used in traditional herbal medicine in the treatment of colic, sore throat, rheumatism, warts, ulcers, and appendicitis.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds that can be collected from mature plants and planted in small pots or seed trays till they germinate. Once they are about 8-10 cm tall, carefully transplant them to the desired location.
Photographed at: GKVK, Bangalore, and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah
