A substantial growth in consumer interest in red cabbage has been recorded by British company Produce World with sales peaking over the Christmas period and continuing to grow throughout the year. 

Figures from the supplier of organic vegetables show red cabbage volume has grown 48.9% year-on-year, with higher volumes being attributed to the vegetable’s nutritional benefits and versatility in dishes.

According to a release, red cabbage is considered to be one of the most nutritious of the cabbage family with ten times more vitamin A and twice as much iron as traditional green cabbage. The company also says more British consumers are tapping into the health benefits of the red variety.

The findings were announced ahead of National Cabbage Day (Feb. 17).

"Cabbages have been part of a staple diet of many UK households for years due to its nutritional value and versatility as a vegetable,” Produce World agricultural director Andrew Burgess says in a release.

"Luckily the UK has the ideal growing conditions to grow the best cabbages in the world, with Produce World providing enough for nearly half a million UK consumers every year."

The release adds that cabbages are showing strong volume growth generally, including new varieties such as Pointed Sweetheart and old favourites like White cabbage and Savoy - which posted 15.2% and 7.2% volume growth respectively.

Photo: Ard Hesselink, via Flickr Creative Commons

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