Naturally, only very few Chinese cabbage leaves actually look perfect. However, when small black dots appear on the leaves and along the leaf veins, many consumers are unsettled. We explain what the colloquial spot tan is all about.
How does spot browning appear on Chinese cabbage?
The so-called spot tan, contrary to its name, is expressed bysmall black dots that cannot be wiped off. They appear on the leaves of Chinese cabbage and along the leaf veins.
What are the spots on the vegetables?
The black dots areindividual cellsthat are eitherwoody or dead. The technical term for this damage to Chinese cabbage isLeaf edge necrosis As a rule, the dots arise in the places on the leaves where the leaf veins end in so-called vascular bundles on the jagged edge of the leaf.
What causes the spot tan?
The black spots on Chinese cabbage can occur for different reasons:
- Tohigh nitrogen supply
- Tolow potassium supply
Consequently, fertilizing Chinese cabbage correctly is very important - mature compost, for example, is ideal for this. The nitrogen content must always be kept in mind. If the soil contains too much of it, it is better to refrain from further fertilization.
Can spot tan also occur after harvest?
Black spots can still form on the leaves even after harvesting. This can happen duringcold storagein the refrigerator or in the cellar as well as duringtoo warm storage over a longer period of time in the kitchen.
Can incorrect crop rotation be the reason for the spots?
It ispossible that Chinese cabbage will be more affected by spot brown if it is grown in the same garden bed for several years. A break of three years is definitely recommended in crop rotation before Chinese cabbage is grown in the same bed again. It is also better not to plant it directly after other types of cabbage.
Can Chinese cabbage with black spots still be eaten?
Chinese cabbage with spot browning can beconsumed safely. The vegetables are completely harmless in terms of he alth and can be eaten raw, steamed or fried. Chinese cabbage is also very suitable for freezing or fermenting. If you don't want to eat the brown areas, you can cut them away generously before processing or eating the Chinese cabbage raw.
Tip
Do not confuse with wet rot
If large brownish spots can be found on Chinese cabbage, this is most likely what is known as wet rot. Even a head of cabbage infected with this disease caused by fungi or bacteria does not have to be completely disposed of. It is sufficient to generously cut out the discolored areas with a portion of the he althy leaf and wash the vegetables very thoroughly before eating.
