I've enthused before about Cavolo Nero, but this year my crop has excelled.
I planted a whole row; about 20 plants, and we have already enjoyed several pickings.
As a winter 'green' it is almost without comparison. One pulls the leaves as required from the base, and it simply continues to grow. Last year mine continued until about April; in fact I think they were the last plants to be taken out.
The leaves when cooked have a velvety dark flavour, and I imagine are FILLED with goodness. Personally I remove the ribs, and 'steam' in whatever water still clings after washing. They make a perfect accompaniment to a pork chop, a brace of good quality snags, or even a roasted Woodcock (some hope).
As for growing conditions, they like hot, wet, cool, dry, humid, fire, and brimstone; at least that's what's obviously made them grow so well this year.
I recommend the crop to all veg' growers. Cavolo Nero is also known as Black leaf Kale, Tuscan Kale, and Black Cabbage.
Just look at the size of those leaves; and not a single bug in sight. Wonderful.
14 comments:
I love swiss chard - is it better than that?
Chard is more of a 'spinach', Cavolo Nero is more cabbage like. I grow both, but would be hard pressed to choose between them.
Mine first lot got nobbled as seedlings so I have just re-sown hopefully they will make it to a decent size before winter.
It looks very like a primula that is languishing at the bottom of my garden! I do love " greens" though have never had Cavolo Nero. Would it grow in SE England? I might try it next year if so.
I'm sure it would, although I've only ever grown it here. See Elaine above!
We eat curly kale and we also grow ruby chard. This sounds fairly similar, with perhaps a dash of spinach thrown in. I suspect it wouldn't do very well this far North.
I grew some last year..... It was huge
You can just see a bit of my Curly Kale in the top pic. Try growing a few next year; you might be surprised.
None this year? Why not?
I have to admit I completely forgot to plant any leaf crops this year but it is on my list for next year. This year I went a bit crazy planting potatoes and I have a huge crop of turnips.
I have had it shredded and mixed in to pasta in Italy. it was delicious
I grow it every year here in Derbyshire. It is so easy to grow and just gives and gives. Brilliant crop!
I only discovered this veg a few years ago, now I grow it every year. Love it. And it's so easy to grow.
How is Monty doing?
He's a lot better, thank you. His pills are doing the job.
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