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Start the New Year with a good luck meal of black-eyed peas and cabbage.
Be a part of this Southern tradition that dates back to the Civil War. Many people believe that the swelling of the peas as they cook represents prosperity, while others think their shape resembles coins.
Increase your Good Luck and prosperity by including a cabbage dish. This German, Irish and U.S. tradition is tied to the fact that cabbage leaves resemble money, promoting personal wealth.
Increase the fun of future New Year’s celebrations by growing your own cabbage and black-eyed peas.
Grow black-eyed peas in full sun and warm to hot temperatures. Allow some of them to mature on the plant. Pull and hang the plants to dry. Then shell and store the black-eyed peas for your winter and New Year’s meal.
Preserve your cabbage by quartering, blanching and freezing some for use in your favorite cabbage dishes.
A bit more information: Cabbage and other cool season crops like broccoli and cauliflower perform best in cooler temperatures. Be sure to plant cabbage in spring for an early summer harvest or mid-summer for a fall harvest.
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