- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- FoodVegetable
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every February 17
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥬
National Cabbage Day celebrates this often-overlooked vegetable every February 17. From its ancient origins in Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean to its modern role in diverse cuisines, cabbage offers incredible versatility and nutrition. Explore new recipes, share your favorite cabbage dishes, and discover creative ways to incorporate this healthy staple into your meals today!
Want to sponsor National Cabbage Day? Learn how
Expected National Cabbage Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Cabbage Day often inspires grocery stores and restaurants to feature this humble vegetable. Look for discounts on fresh cabbage, sauerkraut, and kimchi at stores like Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and local farmers’ markets. Restaurants might offer special cabbage-centric dishes, such as corned beef and cabbage at Irish pubs or unique slaw creations at fast-casual spots like Sweetgreen. Keep an eye out for recipe ideas and ingredient kits from meal delivery services like HelloFresh or Blue Apron. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 17 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Cabbage Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCabbageDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite cabbage dishes, from fresh salads to hearty stews.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCabbageDay. Film quick recipe tutorials for cabbage rolls, fermented kraut, or creative slaw variations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCabbageDay. Host a poll asking followers about their favorite way to prepare cabbage.
National Cabbage Day Hero
Carl Linnaeus
History of National Cabbage Day
Cabbage is more than just a side of coleslaw or an accompaniment to corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day. This delightful veggie deserves additional credit because it has much more to offer. Apart from being a very good source of fiber and vitamins, cabbage is a vegetable that offers value for money.
Although there isn’t much history on National Cabbage Day, apart from the day it was officiated, the history of the domestication of cabbage can be traced back to 4000 B.C. By the Middle Ages, it had become an integral part of European cuisine. During the 17th and 18th centuries, cabbage was a staple in many countries including Germany, England, Ireland, and Russia, where pickled cabbage was frequently consumed.
The cabbage made its debut in North America in 1541 with French explorer Jacques Cartier. By the 18th century, it was commonly planted by both colonists and Native Americans.
Today, the world production of cabbage and other species of the same family nears 69 million tons, with China accounting for 48% of the total. Although cabbage is a vegetable that is taken for granted, its production numbers affirm its popularity across the world and its nutritional value makes them an essential part of every kitchen.
Cabbage has been around for thousands of years coming in different varieties and flavors. Also, you can enjoy it in a range of ways. You can either eat it raw, steam it, boil it, bake it, braise, or fry it. You can even ferment it to enjoy it in the future.
National Cabbage Day timeline
This open-air market in Brno, Moravia, Czech Republic is named ‘cabbage.’
Jean Ruel, a French naturalist mentions `head cabbage’ in his formal piece of botanical writing, “De Natura Stirpium,” where he refers to it as ‘capucos coles’ (head-coles).
Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg reports that cabbage is not yet known in Japan.
On February 17, a Canadian newspaper “The Windsor Star” mentions World Cabbage Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Cabbage Day
Local restaurants can craft special menus featuring cabbage in diverse ways, from gourmet coleslaws to hearty stuffed cabbage rolls or even fermented cabbage appetizers. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays of various cabbage types, offering recipe cards and hosting tasting events for different preparations like kimchi or sauerkraut. Community gardens and farmers’ markets can highlight the ease of growing cabbage and share tips for cultivation, encouraging local food production and healthy eating habits.
National Cabbage Day FAQs
When is National Cabbage Day?
In 2027, National Cabbage Day will be observed on Wednesday, February 17, inviting home cooks and food enthusiasts to honor cabbage with fresh dishes. The mid-week timing is ideal for a healthy and flavorful meal.
What are the health benefits of cabbage?
Beyond its low-calorie count, cabbage offers significant health advantages, including boosting immunity and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers. Its rich nutrient profile makes it a highly recommended vegetable for overall wellness.
How many varieties of cabbage are there?
Globally, hundreds of cabbage cultivars exist, though common types like green and red cabbage are most widely recognized. Each type lends itself to different culinary applications, from crisp slaws to tender braised dishes, showcasing its incredible diversity.
Is cabbage difficult to grow at home?
While not overly difficult, growing cabbage does require attention to soil quality and sunlight. Starting seeds indoors and transplanting them after the last frost can give gardeners a head start, leading to a successful harvest of this robust vegetable.
How to Celebrate National Cabbage Day
Prepare a cabbage dish
Spend this day preparing a meal where cabbage is the main ingredient. There are many cabbage dishes to try from soups to salads. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, why not look up how to make Lion’s Head meatballs, wedding cabbage, or kimchi?
Try some gardening
If you have a vegetable garden, you might want to try growing your own cabbage. You can pick from a variety of cabbages and plant the one that is easy to grow and that you feel you might enjoy the most.
Share the celebrations
Celebrate by sharing your delicious recipes with friends and family. You can also use the hashtag #NationalCabbageDay on your social media accounts to spread the word about this holiday.
5 Fun Facts About Cabbages
Cabbage as a luxury
In Rome, cabbage was considered a luxury food when compared with other vegetables.
Diogenes survived on cabbages
According to tales, Diogenes, the Greek philosopher, ate nothing but cabbage and drank nothing but water.
Cure for baldness
In ancient China, cabbage was sold as a magic cure for bald men.
Largest cabbage dish
To date, it was made on November 8, 2014, in the Romanian city of Kaufland weighing 6,525.68 lbs.
Cabbage was used to prevent hangovers
Cabbage was used in Ancient Rome and Egypt as food eaten before a night of drinking to help with tomorrow’s hangover.
Why We Love National Cabbage Day
Cabbages are readily available
Cabbage has been around for thousands of years and is part of many cultures around the world. Because they are so plentiful and offer value for money, they are accessible to a large part of the world’s population.
Cabbages are healthy
Cabbage is packed with nutrients and is a good source of vitamin C. Studies suggest that they also may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Because cabbage is rich in fiber, it may improve digestion and keep the heart healthy as well.
They are versatile
Cabbage comes in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Although cabbage can be eaten raw, it can also be prepared in different ways such as steaming, boiling, baking, frying, or pickling. Be it a side of coleslaw or yummy cabbage rolls, there is a dish for everyone to enjoy.
National Cabbage Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 17 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | February 17 | Thursday |
| 2029 | February 17 | Saturday |
| 2030 | February 17 | Sunday |
| 2031 | February 17 | Monday |
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