Harvesting the cabbage crop too late causes the heads to split open during a rain, absorbing a lot of moisture, and beginning to rot rapidly, making them an inviting ground for insects. The heads become literally woody, and the quality of the juice is very bitter in warm weather.
Head Splitting
- Occurs when internal pressure exceeds outer leaf strength
- Triggered by sudden rain after dry periods
- Makes heads vulnerable to rot and insects
Flavor Degradation
- Leaves develop bitter compounds when over-mature
- Heat above 80°F (27°C) accelerates bitterness
- Sugar content decreases as fibers toughen
Bolting Risk
- Flower stalks emerge making leaves inedible
- Caused by prolonged exposure to warm temperatures
- Irreversible once flowering begins
Avoid splitting by harvesting before heavy rain when the heads feel compact and firm. Monitor the weather forecasts closely in the last few weeks of growth. If rain is on the horizon, cut the heads a little earlier than might be desirable rather than face total loss through bursting.
Bolting occurs when the temperature rises to 80 degrees or higher for an extended period. Once the flowers/seed stalks appear, the leaves become tough and bitter in taste. When you first notice signs of bolting, quickly pick the plant before it becomes completely ruined.
When cabbage becomes over-mature, the first signs of this condition are likely to be yellowing leaves on its outer parts, and loose heads, with the core turning into a tough, woody texture, making cutting very difficult. To ensure a high-quality crop, harvest cabbage when the heads are fully dense and heavy for their volume.
Store properly harvested cabbage in cool, humid conditions. Late-harvested heads don't store well, developing off-flavors quickly. Use them within days rather than attempting long-term storage.
Read the full article: 5 Key Signs: When to Harvest Cabbage
