'Granat' Chinese Cabbage - Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis

'Granat' Chinese Cabbage – old Swiss variety with long, slender heads and strong aroma. 

This variety is an old and mid-early Chinese cabbage with long, slender, closed heads. It is distinguished by its mild-aromatic flavor and firm leaf structure, making it especially suitable for steaming, wok dishes, and kimchi. Robust, open-pollinated, and ideal for self-sufficiency as well as organic cultivation.

  Origin & History

‘Granat’ is an open-pollinated Chinese cabbage variety from Switzerland, first mentioned by name around 1942 during World War II. It was developed at a time when self-sufficiency and robust, high-yielding vegetables were of great importance. Selected for its resilience, aromatic flavor, and good storability, it became a reliable food source. In the post-war decades, however, it partly fell into obscurity as modern hybrid varieties dominated the market and displaced open-pollinated lines.

Today, ‘Granat’ is considered one of the oldest documented Chinese cabbage varieties in Europe. It is being reintroduced by ecological seed initiatives and preservation organizations as a historical rarity. With its aromatic taste and cultural significance, it is a true enrichment for the vegetable garden.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows upright and reaches a height of about 60 cm. It forms long, slender, closed heads with vigorous, dark green foliage. Frost tolerant down to -3 °C.

Head details:

• Size: Medium to large, approx. 40 cm long

• Shape: Long, slender and closed.

• Color: Light green to dark green with firm leaf structure

• Texture: Firm, crisp, juicy

• Flavor: Mild and aromatic

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

Excellent for fresh consumption, steaming, wok dishes, kimchi and especially Asian cuisine. Its mild, aromatic flavor and firm leaf structure make it a true kitchen classic, adding a special culinary touch.

With robust growth and resilience, the variety thrives reliably outdoors and in greenhouses. It matures mid-early, can be grown in mild climates until late autumn, and impresses with versatile use. Easy to cultivate, adaptable to different sites, and stable even under variable weather. Long, slender heads ripen evenly, store well for several weeks, and enrich the garden both culinarily and visually.

Compared to other Chinese cabbage varieties, ‘Granat’ is especially aromatic, robust, and historically significant – ideal for those who value open-pollinated cabbages with versatile use and strong flavor.