Outer Cabbage Leaves

[veg4681]

I hope it's alright but I've been picking out the large outer leaves (flapping away like elephant ears) to eat them. I cannot see how picking them will affect the main plant from continuing to grow. The hearts have formed but they're still quite small. Thanks.

[Alice]

Enjoy your cabbage leaves Veg 4681. I don't think it will do your plants any harm.

[Snadger]

I stripped a lot off my outer leaves off to give a bit of airflow around the cabbage and let the rain get to the soil. They seem to have come on leaps and bounds since I did it a fortnight ago!
You probably already know this, but when you cut the cabbage, cut a cross into the top of the old stem! I did this a few weeks ago and I have loads of succulent new leaves which can be eaten as greens or left to form very sweet litlte hearts!

[veg4681]

Thanks Alice & Snadger, I shall be eating a lot of outer leaves if that is even a bonus for the cabbage to heart further. I thought they tasted fine even though they weren't tender like normal cabbage as I cut them into very thin strips, then seasoned with chopped garlic, butter and cream.

Yes I have heard of the criss-cross stuff you do on the cabbage stump. Can't refuse a free food like that without doing much. Can't wait.

[Sue]

Oh what a good idea, I've loads of cabbages growing but thought I'd have to wait ages to eat them, the outer leaves will be perfect for making stuffed cabbage leaves, I'll be out picking on my next allotment visit.
Sue

[yoanbob]

shred fine and fry with a tint nob of butter, and some shredded bacon. yum!

[Cutecumber]

Just be careful as the weather deteriorates. Part of the job of the outer leaves is to protect the inner ones. Don't go mad.

[veg4681]

Just be careful as the weather deteriorates. Part of the job of the outer leaves is to protect the inner ones. Don't go mad.

Thanks for the additional advice. I'll watch out and be careful. Loads of bubblewrap lying around if I have to use that.

[SierraSil]

I've been eating the large cabbage leaves since last summer. I like to spread hummus on them then crumble fresh cheese on top of that and then add shredded greens with Italian dressing. I roll it up and munch away!
Of course my friend, who runs the community garden, chastises me for picking and eating the leaves. She thinks it effects the size of the heads. I think there's plenty to go around!
Does anyone know if it would really effect the size of the heads?