Agia Varvara Fluffy Cabbage
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Agia Varvara Fluffy cabbages vary in size, depending on growing conditions, and average 20 to 40 centimeters in length and 15 to 30 centimeters in diameter. The cabbages typically weigh between 4 to 7 kilograms but can grow much larger, sometimes up to 10 to 15 kilograms. The heads are characteristically looser in structure and have a round or oblate shape with many layers of overlapping leaves. The leaves are smooth with raised veining, giving the surface a bumpy, taut, and elastic feel. The center of the head also features a dense and firm core. Fluffy cabbages showcase pale green to white hues and become lighter in color on the inside with pale yellow accents. An occasional flush of purple and tiny flower-like florets are also found within the center of the head. Fluffy cabbages are edible raw and have a crisp, snappy, crunchy, and succulent consistency with a mild, sweet, and green flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Fluffy cabbages are available in the winter through early spring in Crete.
Current Facts
Agia Varvara Fluffy cabbages, botanically classified as Brassica oleracea var. capitata, are a traditional variety belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The large cabbage cultivar is unique to the Agia Varvara village on the island of Crete and has been a part of the village for many generations. Agia Varvara Fluffy cabbages are an anticipated winter crop, and consumers travel across the island to visit the village’s roadside stalls to purchase the cabbages. Fluffy cabbages are favored for their lightweight, loose structure and sweet, mild taste. The cabbages are grown using natural, ancient methods and produced without pesticides or harmful chemicals. Fluffy cabbages are ready for harvest approximately three months after sowing, and the region’s specific climatic conditions, including weather, rainfall, and soil quality, all contribute to the cabbage’s sweet, non-astringent taste. When in season, Fluffy cabbages are proudly displayed in large, neatly arranged stacks and are customarily purchased for making cabbage rolls.
Nutritional Value
Fluffy cabbages have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. Cabbages, in general, are a source of vitamins A, C, and K to strengthen the immune system, aid in faster wound healing, and maintain healthy organs. Cabbages also provide fiber to stimulate and cleanse the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels, and magnesium to control nerve functions. Other nutrients include calcium and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and copper, zinc, and manganese.
Applications
Fluffy cabbages have a mild, sweet flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety’s lightweight, loose structure makes it easy to separate the leaves, and each leaf can be torn into pieces or used whole, depending on the recipe. Fluffy cabbages are favored as a wrap, and many different recipes use vegetables, fresh herbs, crushed nuts, and minced meat. The cabbages are also prepared in cabbage rice, a popular dish served during winter on the island of Crete. Beyond the two most well-known dishes, Fluffy cabbages can be eaten raw with lemon and salt or in salads. They are also occasionally simmered into soups and stews or pickled as a tangy slaw or condiment. Fluffy cabbages pair well with herbs such as fennel, coriander, dill, and parsley, meats including beef, pork, or lamb, carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and citrus. Whole, unopened Fluffy cabbages will keep for several days to weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark location. In Crete, it is customary for consumers to purchase and utilize the cabbage on the same day to ensure the cabbage is at peak quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Agia Varvara Fluffy cabbages are famous for their use in lahanodolmades, a winter type of dolma. Lahanodolmades are cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, vegetables, and fresh herbs. The practice of making stuffed dishes dates back to ancient times, and early versions of stuffed leaves were made with fig leaves and were called “thria” in Greek. Stuffed leaves later appeared throughout historical events and spread over time throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia. The dish was named “dolma” and “dolmades” in the Ottoman Empire, derived from the Turkish word “dolmak,” meaning “to fill.” Cabbage and grape leaves were also incorporated as variations of the ancient fig-leaf dish. In the modern day, lahanodolmades are eaten hot or cold, and each family has its own method of preparing the dish. In Crete, Agia Varvara Fluffy cabbages are treasured for their large leaves. Families purchase the village’s cabbage and gather to prepare the labor-intensive dish as a social event. Lahanodolmades are traditionally served during Christmas as a symbolic food. Wrapping the ingredients in the softened cabbage leaf resembles the act of Mary swaddling baby Jesus at birth. The stuffed cabbages are also served at wedding celebrations as a lucky dish. Folding the cabbage leaves embodies joy, and the multi-layered folds in the rolls are seen as blessings for happiness and abundance.
Geography/History
Agia Varvara Fluffy cabbages are native to the island of Crete and are specifically grown in the Agia Varvara village. Cabbages are descendants of wild species native to regions of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Domesticated varieties were eventually created from the wild species and were cultivated throughout the Ancient Greek and Roman empires. It is unknown when cabbages were first introduced to the village of Agia Varvara, but it has been said that the crop has been traditionally passed down for several generations throughout families in the village. Agia Varvara is a village in the municipality of Gortyna in the Heraklion Regional Unit of Crete. It is known as one of the center areas of the island and resides at 550 to 650 meters in elevation. The region is known for its unique microclimate due to its geographical location between mountains and plains. This area includes ample rainfall and cooler weather, allowing cabbages to thrive and grow to large sizes. Fluffy cabbages are one of the most popular crops produced in Agia Varvara during the winter. The cabbages are typically sold through roadside stalls outside of homes in Agia Varvara, and it is customary for vendors to share glasses of raki while selling the cabbage to visiting consumers. Outside of finding the cabbages locally, some growers send their cabbages to markets in Heraklion, the island’s capital city, and markets in Athens. The Fluffy cabbages featured in the photograph above were sourced through Elli’s Farm in Agia Varvara, Crete. Elli’s Farm is a family-owned and operated business specializing in olive oil production and agricultural products, including Fluffy cabbages. The large cabbages have been grown for multiple generations and are cultivated using ancient techniques to preserve the crop’s history and practices.
