Lacinato kale
The palm cabbage ( Brassica oleracea var palmifolia DC. ) Is a variety of vegetables cabbage and belongs to the family of cruciferous plants ( Brassicaceae). As Palm cabbage, the heart of the shoot tips ( palm hearts ) are referred to by palm trees that consist of growing point and not yet unfolded leaves.
Other names of the plant in the German-speaking area are: Italian kale, Tuscan kale, black cabbage. A line drawn as ornamental plant variety is Negro Romano.
Origin and Distribution
These carbon - species is regarded as the origin of many other carbon species such as marrow -stem kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale and was already at the time of the Romans cultivated and used. Also Benary mentioned this Kohlart in his album in 1876 for central and northern Europe. Traditionally, it is still very much cultivated in northern Italy in Tuscany, where recently (2003) the industrial cultivation was investigated.
Description
The palm cabbage is a biennial plant and can be up to 3 meters high. It is not frost-hardy, flowers from May to August, pale yellow flower color. The plant is self-fertile and the flowers are pollinated by bees. The seed maturation extends from July to September. However, for the flowering of cabbage palm is rare in our region ( Central Europe). The leaves are 60-80 cm long and 8-10 cm broad, dark green to black-green similar to that of Savoy. The arrangement of the bubble, easily rolled downward leaves are palm-like. He is not to be confused with Collard Greens, whose instinct is thicker and the leaves are not vesicular, but have sometimes slightly toothed, curled edges.
Cultivation and harvesting
For the home garden palm cabbage may be preferred in larger pots or entirely cultivated. It provides the plant is mobile, when the first frosts come, he does not tolerate. In the field, the tillage is done directly after the last frost (usually to the " Ice Saints " ) to 1.5 cm depth after potatoes or peas. The final distance should be about 25-30 cm in the row. The distance between the rows to each other about 30-45 cm. He tolerates direct sunlight. The development time ( sowing to harvest) is approximately 70 days. You reap the individual sheets from bottom to top and left to stand the uppermost rosette. The plant grows so on throughout the year and may the above Reach height.
Pests
Cabbage root fly, Small and Large White, White Fly, Mealy cabbage aphid, clubroot, Alternaria.
Ingredients
The older the leaves, the more fibers (dry matter) they contain. Especially old leaves have a very high fiber content and are not qualitatively suitable for industrial processing. Also, the nitrate content is higher than in younger leaves. The nitrate content also increases with the age of the plants, but that does not impact on the upper part of the plant.
Use
Palm cabbage is milder in flavor than kale. The finely cut leaves are used in salads or cooked vegetables. It is also ideal for Tuscan winter stews. A well-known use of palm cabbage is cabbage soup caldo verde, the Portuguese. Palm cabbage can also be very well blanched for later use and then stored frozen. The plant has as a container plant in the garden or in front of the house also purely decorative value. Previously, the long woody engine for the fabrication of walking sticks was used