We’ve all heard of things like the Year of the Horse or the Year of the Dragon — symbols meant to represent strength, luck, or transformation. But the Year of the Cabbage? At first glance, it might give you pause.
And yet… it makes perfect sense.
For years, cabbage has quietly done the work — reliable, affordable, and always waiting patiently in the crisper drawer. It’s never been flashy. It doesn’t demand attention. It simply shows up, feeds us well, and stretches gracefully across meals and seasons. In 2026, this humble vegetable finally gets the spotlight it deserves.
Named ‘Vegetable of the Year’ by trend forecasters and culinary insiders alike, cabbage is having a well-earned moment. According to Pinterest Predicts 2026, searches for cabbage-forward dishes are surging under the banner of ‘cabbage crush’ reflecting a broader return to nourishing, practical ingredients that deliver both comfort and creativity. And it’s about time.
More specifically, it points to:
- A renewed affection for cabbage beyond slaw, recognizing its depth, texture, and flavor
- Cabbage-forward dishes where the vegetable plays a starring role, not just a supporting one
- Creative, global preparations—from miso-roasted cabbage and dumplings to braises, soups, kimchi, and sauerkraut
- A return to comforting, practical foods that feel familiar and affordable, yet deeply satisfying when cooked with care and bold seasoning
In other words, cabbage isn’t trendy because it’s new. It’s trending because it’s right for this moment.
Cabbage Needs a Little Respect
Cabbage checks all the boxes for today’s home cooks. It’s inexpensive, widely available, and remarkably generous—a single head goes a long way. It stores well for weeks, reducing food waste and grocery stress. In uncertain times, cabbage offers something grounding: nourishment you can count on.
Just as importantly, it’s incredibly versatile. Cabbage can be roasted until caramelized and savory, braised until silky and comforting, simmered into soups, or transformed through fermentation into tangy, living foods. Thick wedges can anchor a main course. Shredded leaves add crunch and freshness. Slow-cooked cabbage becomes rich, sweet, and deeply satisfying.
This is not a vegetable that needs disguising — it simply needs a little respect.
Quietly Nutritious, Deeply Nourishing
Cabbage’s nutritional profile is another reason it’s earning renewed appreciation. Naturally rich in vitamins C and K, cabbage supports immune health, bone health, and overall resilience. Its fiber content aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar, while its low calorie density makes it filling without being heavy.
As a member of the cruciferous family, cabbage also contributes beneficial plant compounds long valued in traditional diets around the world. It’s nourishment that feels both modern and timeless.
A Vegetable That Belongs to Everyone
Perhaps what makes cabbage so fitting as the vegetable of 2026 is that it belongs to no single cuisine or trend. Napa cabbage anchors countless Asian dishes. Savoy cabbage cradles hearty fillings. Red cabbage adds color and brightness to winter meals. Fermented or fresh, rustic or refined, cabbage adapts.
It reminds us that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the most meaningful ingredients are the ones that have been feeding families quietly for generations.
So yes — 2026 is the Year of the Cabbage. Not because it’s flashy or rare, but because it reflects what many of us are craving right now: food that is honest, nourishing, economical, and deeply satisfying. A humble vegetable, finally seen.
You’ll find cabbage at Pinnacle (Phil Foster Ranch), Spade & Plow Organics, and Borba Family Farms at our farmers markets.
RECIPES: Here’s a collection of our favorite cabbage recipes!
