Tronchuda Cabbage

The Portuguese cabbage that simply cannot be missing from the Christmas Eve table! In coastal areas it can be planted throughout the autumn so that there are always succulent leaves all winter long. It needs nutrient-rich soil to develop properly.

The Portuguese love their cabbages. Botanically, Portuguese cabbage is a group unique among all the other cabbages known around the world. Several studies have been devoted to these cabbages, which form an extremely important part of the Portuguese diet. Another notable characteristic is their successful adaptation to acidic soils and an oceanic-influenced climate. The long history of subsistence farming in Portugal has meant that every village, or even every farm, has its own type or variety of cabbage. Even so, together with Galega kale, Tronchuda can be found throughout Portugal.

This is the favourite variety to serve with the Christmas Eve salt cod, alongside boiled potatoes. Large but delicate in flavour, it is honoured in every Portuguese home!