Tronchuda Cabbage

I'm always snagged by the "NEW THIS YEAR" section of the seed catalogs that come by the dozen in January. This cabbage was one I sprung for and it is spectacular. Known as Portuguese cabbage it is a cross between kale and cabbage. Beautiful, large, blue/gray/green highly ribbed paddle shaped leaves that have a large, fleshy white center rib. It does not form into a head but the leaves are gigantic. It is the green that is used in the Portuguese soup caldo verde. I used some today with potatoes, garlic, onions and pimienton. Highly recommended. I'm going to stuff some of the smaller leaves with Spanish chorizo and Bomba rice. A great addition to the greens options. I'll plant it again next year.

[Jenise]

I am literally drooling over the thought of the stuffed cabbage rolls you're about to make.

I'm reminded to add that this is the kind of thing that restarts me thinking about expanding the number of raised beds I tend so that I can grow more than (the relatively small amount) I'm currently set up for.

I'm always snagged by the "NEW THIS YEAR" section of the seed catalogs that come by the dozen in January. This cabbage was one I sprung for and it is spectacular. Known as Portuguese cabbage it is a cross between kale and cabbage. Beautiful, large, blue/gray/green highly ribbed paddle shaped leaves that have a large, fleshy white center rib. It does not form into a head but the leaves are gigantic. It is the green that is used in the Portuguese soup caldo verde. I used some today with potatoes, garlic, onions and pimienton. Highly recommended. I'm going to stuff some of the smaller leaves with Spanish chorizo and Bomba rice. A great addition to the greens options. I'll plant it again next year.

Christina, do you have trouble with small, green worms eating holes in your green leafy kales, or any of the other fall and winter things such as broccoli, brussels sprouts? I've stopped growing most leafy things because of these worms, and I can't bring myself to use anything to deter them. I plant so little for the two of us as it is, and I really dislike eating those leaves full of holes, so it is a waste of water, & soil amendments for me to even try. I do lettuce of all types very successfully, and swiss chard keeps coming for me without any insect problems

Karen, yes, in some years I have had those small, soft green worms. Not this year though. Don't know what makes the difference. I don't mind holes in the leaf as long as there are no visible bugs. I regularly plant lancinato kale, savoy cabbage and brussles sprouts.

I'm always snagged by the "NEW THIS YEAR" section of the seed catalogs that come by the dozen in January. This cabbage was one I sprung for and it is spectacular. Known as Portuguese cabbage it is a cross between kale and cabbage. Beautiful, large, blue/gray/green highly ribbed paddle shaped leaves that have a large, fleshy white center rib. It does not form into a head but the leaves are gigantic. It is the green that is used in the Portuguese soup caldo verde. I used some today with potatoes, garlic, onions and pimienton. Highly recommended. I'm going to stuff some of the smaller leaves with Spanish chorizo and Bomba rice. A great addition to the greens options. I'll plant it again next year.

Christina, do you have trouble with small, green worms eating holes in your green leafy kales, or any of the other fall and winter things such as broccoli, brussels sprouts? I've stopped growing most leafy things because of these worms, and I can't bring myself to use anything to deter them. I plant so little for the two of us as it is, and I really dislike eating those leaves full of holes, so it is a waste of water, & soil amendments for me to even try. I do lettuce of all types very successfully, and swiss chard keeps coming for me without any insect problems

It was years ago but I recall sprinkling salt on the leaves when they were wet or covered with dew. I think that stopped the problem.