The word "colewort" refers to a type of cabbage with broad leaves. It is pronounced as /ˈkəʊlwərt/ with the stress on the first syllable. The word is spelled as "colewort" and not "kalewort" despite their similarity in appearance because they come from different varieties of the same species. The word's etymology derives from the Old English word "cawel" meaning "cabbage" and the Middle English word "wurte" meaning "plant." The term is rarely used in modern English and has been largely replaced by the term "collards."
Colewort is a noun that refers to a variety of cabbage or kale, typically grown for its edible leaves. The term is derived from the Old English word "col," which means cabbage. It is also known as collards or borecole in different regions.
Colewort is a biennial plant belonging to the Brassica oleracea species, which can grow up to three feet in height. It has large, broad, and dark green leaves that are usually cooked and consumed as a vegetable. The flavor of colewort is slightly bitter with a distinctive earthy taste.
This vegetable is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and manganese, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. The leaves are often harvested when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture.
Culturally, colewort has a long history of being consumed in different parts of the world. It is particularly popular in European and African cuisine, where it is cooked in various ways such as sautéed, boiled, or used as an ingredient in soups and stews. In some regions, the mature leaves are even fermented and used to make a dish called sauerkraut.
In summary, colewort is a type of cabbage or kale with broad, dark green leaves that are consumed as a delicious and nutritious vegetable.
Young cabbage.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "colewort" has its origin in Old English, specifically from the combination of "cāl" (meaning "cabbage") and "wyrt" (meaning "plant" or "herb"). It is derived from the West Germanic language group, where "kōlaz" is the common root. Over time, the word evolved into "cole" for "cabbage" in Middle English, and "wort" remained as "plant". Thus, the word "colewort" essentially means "cabbage plant" or "cabbage herb". Today, it may refer to various vegetables related to cabbage or even generic leafy greens.