Hongshan Purple Cabbage

Hongshan Purple Cabbage

Hongshan Purple Cabbage is a protected geographical indication product.

Hongshan Purple Cabbage is a certified geographical indication trademark.

　　  Hongshan cabbage is grown only in the area around Hongshan Temple in Nongchang, Wuhan. Its stems are red and thicker than those of common cabbage. When stir-fried in oil, it becomes tender, crispy, soft, and slightly sweet—making it an excellent vegetable.

　　  It comes from Wuchang, Hubei. Also known as red cabbage, commonly called rape cabbage, and simply referred to as cabbage. Hongshan is located in a hilly area with nine ridges and eighteen hollows. The soil is red and yellow loam, sheltered from the wind and facing the sun, with spring water irrigation. During winter and early spring, the climate is mild, making it ideal for the growth of purple cabbage. The *Mingyi Bielu* (Records of Famous Physicians) states: "Yunta (rape cabbage) is a vegetable commonly eaten by people," where "Yunta" refers to purple cabbage. As early as the Three Kingdoms period, purple cabbage was already a widely consumed vegetable. Ancient texts such as *Qimin Yaoshu*, *Tang Bencao*, and *Tang Bencao Zhu* all contain records about purple cabbage. The Qing Dynasty’s *Wuchang County Annals* and *Hanyang County Annals* also describe Hongshan purple cabbage as having "exceptionally good flavor, surpassing that of other regions." Legend has it that it was an imperial tribute offered by Hubei throughout the ages and was once honored as "Golden Hall Jade Cabbage." Purple cabbage is harvested early, yields high, and boasts excellent quality and rich nutrition. It bravely sprouts through frost, with thick, tender, reddish stems that are crisp and delicious. Per 100 grams of edible portion, it contains 4.2 grams of carbohydrates, 1.6 grams of protein, as well as carotene, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, and beneficial nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron.