Saturday 10 May 2014

Cavolo Nero.


                                   

A relative newcomer to the average (non-Tuscan) veg' garden, this 'pick and come again' leaf vegetable is an excellent addition to the winter greens collection.

I have been growing Italian 'black cabbage' for a few years now, and each year I have to remind myself to grow even more than the previous year.

Along with Curly Kale, Swiss Chard, and PSB, it has become an essential winter standby and as with all veg's, it should be eaten as soon as possible; pulling the lower leaves as they appear big enough.

The seeds germinate extremely quickly, and the plants are very easy to grow. About 8-10 plants should be enough for the 'average' family. Cavolo Nero, like many other winter greens, is supposed to be best after a good frost, although I tuck-in as soon as possible.

Plenty of recipes are available online; it's remarkably good with anchovy and pasta.

I recommend you grow some (if you don't already).


23 comments:

  1. I can always rely on you for a good early morning post!

    I think I shall be going back to Angola with a variety of seeds and shall include Cavolo Negro.

    I keep thinking of my poor garden, everything was coming along so nicely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So, you really are better. That's very good news Tom!

      Delete
  2. Must put some in. Have often thought about it but generally just have leeks, brocolli (usually the italian variety) and of course silver beet (chard).

    ReplyDelete
  3. What time do you get up? I thought I was early at 5am

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm an early riser..... Too much to do; so little time.

      Delete
  4. Unfortunately I won't have space to grow any this year but I love to see them growing like miniature palm trees.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I gather it's become very fashionable lately, but I always said Cro was bang on trend :-D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Replies
    1. Excuse my preaching to the converted! I was pretty sure many veg' growers would already grow it.

      Delete
  7. This veg starred in a question on " Eggheads" a couple of days ago…….."is Cavolo Nero a Carrot, cabbage, or potato" ? I am pleased to say that I knew the answer, and so did Judith, (ex " Millionaires" winner(who lives in France a lot of the time) I have never eaten it though.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Well..I have never heard of it!! I have been gardening all my life ..is it more of a European green??
    Just found seeds on line....I must try this !! I love all cabbage family greens..thanks Cro!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Italian. But no doubt it came from somewhere else first.

      Delete
  9. I love this stuff as does my sisters new puppy which ran off with a kale seedling between her gums. I do like a plant that lasts for ages in the veg plot.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hmmm....a new one to us and we'll see if we can give it a go! It will provide some interesting texture to the garden too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ps I noticed you were at 199 for public followers so I signed on officially so as to put you at 200! Will there be a party?

      Delete
    2. You win a prize; 'a kindly thought'. Thank you.

      Delete
  11. We've been eating this for the last three nights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I shall be eating the last of mine tonight.

      Delete
    2. What's it stuck in your mouth Stephenson?

      Delete
    3. Sounds like a good lasting vegetable.

      Delete
    4. He's been chewing it for 3 days.

      Delete
  12. I discovered this a few years ago, picked up some seedlings at the village flower show and didn't know what they were. Planted them and they grew like mad but I had to consult Google to find out what they were called. Now I'm a convert.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...