Cabbage "Romanesco": features of planting and cultivation, useful properties and recipes
Cabbage is an important and common element of the diet of Russians. In addition to the white variety, which is actively grown on the territory of Russia, there are exotic varieties, such as Romanesco cabbage, for sale. This vegetable is composed of many useful trace elements, and dishes from it diversify the daily diet.
What it is?
Historians believe that this variety was grown in the era of the Roman Empire, so Italy is considered the birthplace of the plant. It is believed that the variety "Romanesco" - is a hybrid, obtained by crossing white and cauliflower. The product attracts the attention of an unusual form of the fruit. Externally, the vegetable resembles a large flower from expressive inflorescences. Many people compare sprouts with amazing mollusks.
This representative of the flora belongs to the Cruciferous family. This is an annual plant, the size of which directly depends on the conditions of cultivation and care. Eats inflorescences whose size does not exceed 10 centimeters. Some experienced gardeners managed to grow copies weighing half a kilogram.
Each individual inflorescence develops in a spiral. Sprouts are located close to each other. The color of the flowers is pale green. Each head is framed by dense and large outer leaves in a dark green color.
Cabbage dishes will pleasantly surprise gourmets who love tasty, wholesome and nutritious food. Vegetable has a sweet and delicate flavor. It varies depending on the type of cooking, recipe and ingredients in the composition of the dish. The aroma can be recognized notes of walnut.
In numerous reviews left in the vast runet, it is indicated that the plant can be used as a decor. Due to the original form of the cabbage planted in gardens and flower beds. Vegetable of amazing beauty is also appreciated by landscape designers.
Benefit and harm
It is worth noting that the variety is rich in useful properties, but scientists have not fully studied all the properties of the vegetable. Today such useful properties of this vegetable are known:
- effective antiviral effect;
- trace elements fight against harmful bacteria;
- anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effect;
- natural source of antioxidants and antidepressants;
- elements in the composition of the vegetable prevent the development of cancer due to the presence of isocyanates.
Also in the product contains many nutrients, vitamins, carotene, fluorine, fiber and rare earth elements like selenium. Medical professionals recommend cabbage for consumption by people who watch their weight.
Regular use of this product has a positive effect on the vessels by increasing their elasticity. Also, the product is highly recommended for "thick" blood. The variety "Romanesco" removes toxins, cholesterol and slags from the body, positively affecting the work of the gastrointestinal tract.
Despite a number of advantages, this product also has disadvantages. Excessive consumption of vegetables can harm the body. If a person has problems with the thyroid gland, it is recommended to refuse this product. Also, the vegetable is not suitable for people with heart disease.
The use of cabbage in raw or under prepared form can cause indigestion and the formation of gases.
Sorta
Based on the State Register of the Russian Federation, the variety of cabbage "Romanesco" is presented in four types. Each variety is recommended for cultivation on private plots.
Consider more of these varieties.
- "Puntoverde". The species is characterized by a large head, the weight of which reaches 1.5 kilograms, as well as the average period of maturation.
- "Veronica". The larger size of the head - about two kilograms. Vegetable medium ripening.
- "Pearl". Head weight comes to 800 grams. Medium late plant.
- "Emerald Cup". The smallest variety. The average weight is about 500 grams.Mid-early variety.
It should be noted that the popularity of cabbage of this type is only beginning to grow. Now this vegetable is found on the territory of house and suburban areas is extremely rare. Most often gardeners grow blue, cauliflower and white cabbage.
How to grow?
Experienced gardeners argue that the process of growing hybrid cabbage has certain difficulties. This is a capricious and capricious plants that need special care. Even the smallest weeds in this process can cause the death of a plant. According to experts, this characteristic has played an important role in the fact that the variety is not in great demand among summer residents.
To get a rich harvest, you need to know certain rules and adhere to them when planting, growing and caring for a plant. For example, sudden changes in air humidity and temperature indicators adversely affect the formation of the fetus. These are extreme conditions for a vegetable.
Be sure to adhere to planting dates, otherwise inflorescences will not be tied. If you are going to plant late-season cabbage seeds, calculate the time of sowing so that the inflorescences begin to form at the beginning of autumn. The optimal temperature conditions for ripening and growing a vegetable are 18 degrees Celsius.
The percentage of seed germination is far from 100%. In order to increase this indicator, several grains are placed in one well. Most often, seeds are sold in packs of 25, 30 or 100 pieces.
How to prepare seedlings?
Most experienced gardeners prefer to work not with seeds, but with seedlings. Plant it much easier and easier. This not only significantly saves time, but also gives great guarantees for the full ripening of vegetables and a good harvest. In the process of growing seedlings, it is necessary to adhere to stable temperature conditions. It is necessary for the development of the head.
On the territory of Russia, a mainly seedling growing method is used due to the peculiarities of the local climate. In the southern parts of the country, seeds can be planted directly into the soil.
All kinds of "Romanesco" grow poorly in the soil with high acidity. To cope with this problem, add wood ash to the soil. From seed, seedlings appear in about 40-60 days. Take this into account when preparing the land for landing.
To grow seedlings, it is necessary to prepare the boxes with the ground. 2-3 grains should be placed in one well. The minimum distance between shoots should be at least 3-4 centimeters. The distance between the grooves should be 4 cm.
Containers with earth and seeds should be placed in a warm room with a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. Maintain such conditions until sprouts appear. As soon as the first shoots appeared, it is necessary to change the mode. The optimum figure for the day should be from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, and after sunset - a few degrees lower.
When growing seedlings take care of good lighting. Watering should be moderate. Ensure that the soil does not dry out. Compliance with all norms will lead to the formation of a strong and stable root system. By the time the plant is planted in the soil, it will be different squat.
Cabbage "Romanesco" will be able to fully resist diseases and other adverse factors, while complying with all the above recommendations. Properly grown seedlings - a pledge of a rich harvest.
Planting plant
Cabbage can be planted in open ground, as soon as the air temperature warms up to 12 degrees Celsius and the possibility of frost returning at night will be completely excluded. Garden beds are prepared in the fall. It is strongly recommended to prepare the soil, saturating it with fertilizer. Ideal for compost or rotted manure.
If cucumbers, potatoes, legumes and onions were previously grown on the site where the planting is planned, then it is ideal for Romanesco cabbage. Give up the idea of landing in a location where cruciferous relatives used to grow.
Each seedling is planted in a separate hole, at a distance of about 5 centimeters from each other. Leave a space between the rows to move around freely. Water the earth with a saturated solution of potassium permanganate bright pink, diluted with hot water.
Every single seedling is taken out carefully so as not to damage. When planting, it is covered with earth until the seedbed leaves. The soil around the seedlings is gently pressed to secure adhesion of the root system to the ground. At the end it is necessary to water.
Plant Care
The process of caring for cabbage includes a number of features. For example, “Romanesco” likes abundant watering. Ensure that the surface of the soil does not dry out. Ideal - drip irrigation system, which will constantly feed the soil moisture. With this equipment, the variety will not need water.
Periodically remove weeds and other excess plants in the area. Loosen the soil. Take care not to damage the root system.
Use mineral and organic supplements carefully. The modern market offers a huge range of products for a rich harvest. Also on sale are special formulations designed specifically for this variety of Italian cabbage. It is necessary to fertilize a vegetable during certain periods of its growth. This is done three times a year.
The variety is often attacked by pathogens and harmful insects, which are also dangerous for ordinary cabbage. In the process of growing it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition and appearance of the plant. When a disease is detected, special preparations should be used as soon as possible. The instructions for such products contain all the necessary information about the use of the composition.
Collection and storage
Crop of Italian cabbage is harvested in the middle of autumn. If the cultivation was carried out correctly, by this time dense and taut buds that look like fantastic flowers should have fully formed. It is necessary to collect ripe fruits on time, otherwise the heads of cabbages will lose their juiciness, taste and tenderness.
It is recommended to store vegetables in the refrigerator, and not in the freezer. Limit the shelf life to one week. If you need to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cabbage like any other vegetable, without fear that the cabbage will lose its positive qualities and useful properties.
Cooking recipes
Romanesco combines the flavor characteristics of several varieties, especially broccoli and cauliflower. From the healthy vegetable you can cook a lot of tasty and interesting dishes that will appeal to the whole family.
The basic rule that must be understood before cooking: do not digest the vegetable, otherwise it will become tasteless or even unpleasant. If the cabbage is cooked properly, it will acquire a soft creamy taste and delicate aroma.
Vegetable perfectly combined with other vegetables (onions, carrots), as well as cheese, mushrooms and eggs. Romanesco is also served with spaghetti and stew. As seasonings use components such as garlic, black pepper, basil, sea salt, thyme, Italian herbs.
How to cook an Italian vegetable in the oven?
Baked cabbage with cheese sauce is ideal for a nourishing and healthy vegetable.
Ingredients:
- 100 grams of hard cheese;
- head of cabbage;
- 100 milliliters of milk;
- two tablespoons of flour;
- salt;
- Italian Herbs Spice Set (optional).
Cooking method:
- boil the whole cabbage for 10 minutes;
- divide it into florets and boil for another 5 minutes;
- fry the flour in a dry frying pan without any additives, until golden brown;
- fill it with milk and mix until a homogeneous mass;
- add cheese to the sauce and prepare the dressing until it is completely melted, mix in spices;
- lay out the cabbage in the form with a uniform layer and pour sauce;
- bake the dish for about 25 minutes at the highest temperature.
Roasting in batter
Cabbage, fried in batter - a favorite delicacy of many lovers of vegetable dishes. This delicacy will appeal to both adults and children. To make an appetizing snack, tender inside and crispy outside, it will take a minimum of time, effort and ingredients.
To prepare the dishes will need:
- three chicken eggs;
- spices to taste (salt, pepper, herbs);
- head of cabbage;
- three tablespoons of flour;
- vegetable oil.
Step by step preparation:
- boil cabbage for four minutes;
- drain the liquid;
- vegetable placed in ice water for a minute;
- flour and eggs must be mixed to a uniform consistency;
- pour sunflower oil into a deep frying pan and heat it;
- we divide cabbage into florets and dunk each into cooked batter;
- we lower the vegetable into butter for about 20-30 seconds - the crust should darken a little;
- so that excess fat runs off the snack, we put it in a colander;
- the dish can be served together with mashed potatoes or rice, also a snack will be a great addition to meat.
Another interesting recipe, see the following video.