Cabbagehead, Rolling Tomato, and Bluegrass

By Chip Dahlke

Cabbage is a strange deal. Its history is difficult to trace. Some people think it was domesticated in Europe around 1000 BC, but there's not anyone around today to vouch for that. It plays a major role in European cuisine, but over half of cabbagein the world is grown in China. The more you cook it, the worse it smells and tastes. Lastly, it's the only vegetable that has its own night, Cabbage Night, on the night before Halloween.

Cabbage can range from 1 to 8 pounds and can be green, purple or white. The leaves can be either smooth or crinkly. In that way they are similar to potato chips. Unlike potato chips they are rarely served alongside an avocado wrap with a soft drink.

Different cultures can find a variety of uses for cabbage. The Irish are famous for the corned beef and cabbage served on St Patricks Day. A pint of Guinness or green beer usually accompanies the meal. Germans serve cabbage as sauerkraut with bratwurst along with a stein of German beer. In America, cole slaw is a summer side dish often served with hot dogs and baked beans. The favored drink goes by the name of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Only in America.

Down in New Orleans, a city devoted to partying, throwing cabbage during the St Patrick's Day Parade is an honored tradition. Potatoes are also thrown during this time. There have been no reports of briskets being thrown into the crowd.

Nutritionally, cabbage is a source for beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber. Some folks claim it also reduces the risk of some cancers. Eating cabbage and quitting smoking is a two fer. 

People who are a little slow on the uptake are called cabbageheads. The Hebrew term "rosh kruv" means cabbagehead and implies stupidity. Melonheads on the other hand are fans of the post-grunge band Blind Melon. Parrotheads are fans of Jimmy Buffet. If you didn't know that you've probably been living in a cave.

Here's a little known fact that you can bring up at your next cocktail party. It has nothing to do with pigs. Babe Ruth used to wear a cabbage leaf under his hat during games. I have no idea why he did this. Perhaps it was superstition, perhaps he just wanted a quick snack. Perhaps he thought of himself as a cabbagehead and wanted to own the label. Some people are like that. They like to be associated with a term no matter how derogatory. Wait until Anthony Weiner starts calling himself the "King of Sexting". You'll see- he'll be on the Howard Stern show within the month.

You can do your part by buying more cabbage at your local farmers market. Cabbage is the national food of Russia and Russians eat about seven times more cabbage than Americans. If we can beat the Russians to the moon I think we should be able to consume more cabbage than they do. 

Rolling Tomato This Saturday

It's pizza time this Saturday as the Rolling Tomato pulls into the market field. I love this pizza and you will too. 

Grass Routes Trio

Bluegrass again this Saturday. We had these pickers a couple of years ago and lots of folks wanted them back. 

Guest Vendors

Stephanie Kenney is back with Golden Spur Pottery. I love cowgirls. What's not to like about cowgirls. That's a statement not a question.

Melissa Punzalan sets up her jewelry display. Melissa recently had a role as "The Zombie Queen" in an independent film. She was pleased that she didn't need any makeup.

Dan Paczowski is with us. He's the puzzle man.

Lucy Brainard is selling her beaded figurines for women in Africa. I figure Africa to be local. It's just one big friendly world. Why can't we all get along? Why can't you turn your music down and stop throwing your trash on my front lawn? Don't make me call the cops again. Don't make me come over the hedge. You suck.

Stephanie Morton is showing her hand woven rugs. These don't come cheap but they are worth it.

Julia Leis has her notecards for sale. You should buy some and send them out to your friends to "save the date". You don't have to actually put on an event. Just see how many people will save a date with nothing going on.