Click Here to find out where cabbage is grown in Florida.
Click Here to download a small version of the Fresh-2-U poster for February.
Click Here to download an image of cabbage.
Click Here to download coloring pages for cabbage.
Click Here for USDA nutritional information for cabbage.

There is historical and botanical evidence that cabbage has been in cultivation for more than 4,000 years. Scrolls from 1000 B.C. China mentioned white cabbage. Cabbage was first brought to North America in the 1600s, and the first recorded planting was in 1699.

Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, with one wedge providing about 80 percent of the recommended daily allowance. It is also high in fiber. When selecting cabbage, look for heads that are heavy in relation to their size, with only three or four wrapper leaves removed. The stem should be close cut to the head. Avoid heads with wilted or yellowed outer leaves.

To prepare, remove outer leaves and wash heads. One pound of cabbage (approximately one half of a small head) makes about four cups of shredded raw cabbage or about two cups of cooked cabbage. Store cabbage at cool temperatures, but above freezing. Keep moist and ventilate well. Try to keep cabbage away from ripening fruit.

Florida cabbage is available from November through June.

Click Here to find out where grapefruit is grown in Florida.
Click Here to download a small version of the Fresh-2-U poster for February.
Click Here to download an image of grapefruit.
Click Here to download coloring pages for grapefruit.
Click Here for USDA nutritional information for grapefruit.

Grapefruit is a 19th century name that seems to have come from the way the fruit grows in bunches. Thought to be a descendant of the pummelo, a citrus fruit that grows in Southeast Asia, the grapefruit was introduced in Florida in the 1820s. In 2000, Florida ranked number one in the nation in the value of grapefruit produced.

An excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, one half of a grapefruit has only 50 calories.

Select grapefruit that are firm, yet springy to the touch and heavy for their size. Minor surface blemishes or a slightly green color does not affect quality, but avoid bad bruises. Grapefruit will keep at room temperature for a few days, but it is best to refrigerate them. Typical shelf life is four to six weeks in the refrigerator. However, long storage does not improve grapefruit quality.

Grapefruit is juicier if rolled between your palm and the counter top for a few seconds before eating.

Florida grapefruit are available from September though June.

Click on the months below to view other featured fruits and vegetables.

September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May | June

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