Different cabbage varieties and diverse dishes in Taiwan

Cabbages are very popular in Taiwan, especially in the winter. Cabbages can make the hot pot broth to another level. The price of cabbages in Taiwan can fluctuate widely from 10 USD to 0.8 USD per head due to climate change or over-supply. How people make delicious dishes with cabbages tells us a story of the land.

About cabbages

Goryeo Cai (a name used in Taiwan) has nothing to do with Goryeo (Korea). This cruciferous vegetable originated from the temperate zone. Flat-headed, point-headed and round-headed cabbages can be harvested in turns from autumn to spring. Goryeo Cai is also called cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) as we know in the West. It is called “Lotus White (蓮花白)” in the northern China and “Cauliflower Vegetable (椰菜) ” in Guangdong.

Originating from the Mediterranean region, cabbage had been widely cultivated by Greeks and Romans. After the Middle Ages, cabbages could be seen in many parts of the world. The Dutch brought cabbages when they turned Taiwan into a Dutch colony. Chinese first saw cabbages in the 14^th century. In the Ming Dynasty, cabbage was recorded as a medical plant in the famous “Compendium of Materia Medica (本草綱目)”.

Lishan and other areas with higher altitude and cooler air produce most of the cabbages in the summer. Dealers import small amount from Southeast Asia. Some produce is stored with refrigeration facilities subsidized by the agricultural authority for unexpected shortage.

Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) collects data about cabbage cultivation to provide farmers reliable information.

Consumers are very sensitive to the fluctuation of vegetable prices. On the other hand, farmers are more vulnerable to such fluctuation. To have better knowledge of crop cultivation and take timely supply adjustment measures, AFA collects data from various sources and provide reliable forecast of production. Data is prepared by checking the supply of seedlings, studying aerial survey and field survey before it is provided to farmers. In 2019, forecast of cabbage production and timing was quite precise. Farmers are suggested to read information about seedling supply before cultivation and keep an eye on the forecast. https://www.afa.gov.tw/

How to grow organic cabbages

Prevention of pests and disease can vary in different areas because of different organic matters in soil and terrain. Some farmers cover cabbages with fine mesh in small areas to effectively prevent pests. Large cultivation areas require farmers’ experience to decide the density of seedlings, thinning, repellent plants, irrigation, weed management and biological control. All these measures can reduce possible loss.

Different varieties for different dishes

The main cultivation areas of vegetables are located in Changhua and Yulin, Taiwan. Farmers choose different varieties for different uses of cannabes in different seasons. The more we know about cabbage varieties, the better we can enjoy this vegetable with different dining etiquettes.

Cabbage ‘K-Y cross (初秋): Crunchy leaves taste sweet. This variety has a market share of 70% and was introduced from Japan. It is recommended to make salad, preserved vegetable or stir-fry.

228: This variety can grow on plain in the summer because of its resistance to heat and pests. Its hard texture is ideal for braising, stewing, and baking.

Taichung 1: This variety grows in southern Taiwan and is good at heat tolerance. The big leaves taste like that of Cabbage ‘K-Y cross, crunchy and sweet. It is recommended to make Oden cabbage pork roll or side dishes.

Snow Green Jade (雪翠): This point-headed variety has a tender texture and tastes crunchy and sweet. It is recommended to make salad or fry with garlic.

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上下游，高麗菜價
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