Jersey cabbage

Jersey Cabbage (also known as Crambe maritima or Sea Kale) is a perennial plant species in the genus Crambe that is native to the coasts of Europe, from the North Atlantic to the Black Sea. It is a popular vegetable in Jersey, a British Crown dependency located near the coast of Normandy, France.

Description

The Jersey Cabbage is a robust herbaceous perennial plant with large, fleshy leaves and a thick, edible stem. The plant can reach up to 1.2 meters in height and has a spread of up to 0.6 meters. The leaves are blue-green in color and have a waxy coating, which helps the plant to withstand the salty sea air. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and they bloom in early summer.

Cultivation

Jersey Cabbage is cultivated for its edible stem, which is harvested in the spring before the plant flowers. The stem is typically blanched to reduce its bitterness and then cooked and served in a similar manner to asparagus. In Jersey, the plant is traditionally harvested on the 12th of May, a day known as Feast of St. Helier.

Nutritional Value

Jersey Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Cultural Significance

In Jersey, the cultivation and consumption of Jersey Cabbage is a long-standing tradition. The plant is often associated with the island's agricultural heritage and is a symbol of local pride.

See Also

• Crambe
• Feast of St. Helier
• Cuisine of Jersey

References

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  Jersey cabbage plant
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  Walking sticks made from Jersey cabbage
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  Illustration of Jersey kale from 1836