Of Cabbages and things....

[conanthelibrarian]

I have just managed to get my hands on an allotment, with a group of friends.

Part of the condition of use is that we supply vegetables and flowers for display, with the timeframe being 1536 - 1539.

I realise it has probably been covered before, but any help with what variety of cabbage and other veg would be correct would be great.
(Already noted carrot from previous threads, thanks.)

[Sophia]

You want to think in terms of vegetables like Skirrets, cabbages (open and closed headed), non-curly kale, non-red beetroots, horseradish, non-all red radishes, Alexanders, Salad burnet. endives, lettuce, cucumbers (older knobbly varieties that don't need a glass house), onions, parsnips (pasternaks), broad beans, field beans, peas, turnips, mangolds, watercress.

Can't think of anything else off the top of my head - hope this helps.

Thomas Etty have a lot of old varieties of veg and often give first date of introduction.

Soph

[craig1459]

I've got a list of authenti fruit and veg varieties somewhere - I'll dig it out

[Sophia]

I've got a list of authenti fruit and veg varieties somewhere - I'll dig it out

Which list is that - if it is the Stuart Press version it is only 100% reliable post 1580. If it is another one I would greatly appreciate the reference.

Soph

[Captain Reech]

'Coleworts' a common Brassica in England from Medieval right up to the 20th Century (species now believed extinct) were exported to the Colonies and can be quite accurately represented by the modern strain 'Collard Greens' popular in the deep south. I get my seeds off e-bay. Brother Ranulph has posted another thread giving a link for the 'Martock' Bean variety which is perfect as a field bean and authentic to your period as well.

[hamster]

suttons do a heritage range