Mangelwurzel's Meteoric Rise: From Cattle Feed to Chelsea Flower Show Star
Once dismissed as a lowly root vegetable fit only for livestock, the mangelwurzel has undergone a remarkable transformation, capturing the hearts of young gardeners and securing a coveted spot at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. This year's event, running from May 19th to 23rd, will see the Great Pavilion showcase this unlikely horticultural hero, thanks to a viral social media craze that has propelled it from obscurity to stardom.
From Witch's Cauldron to Instagram Fame
Traditionally grown as cattle feed and often compared to a witch's cauldron ingredient when unearthed, the mangelwurzel has cast off its humble origins. Kate Cotterill and Lucy Hutchings of She Grows Veg, the duo behind this year's vegetable display, have cultivated a giant, bright red variety that has taken Instagram by storm. Their seed company, dedicated to engaging younger generations in growing their own food, has seen mangelwurzel seeds become their top seller, with enthusiasts marveling at its size and vibrant hue.
"What we find is that when veg is really different, people get really excited about it," Cotterill explained. "Usually they have been growing the same thing year on year so it's exciting when it's new." The vegetable's bizarre, almost mandrake-like appearance from Harry Potter has made it a favorite in competitive allotment circles, with many growers entering it into competitions and winning prizes.
Social Media Sensation and Culinary Delight
The mangelwurzel's online popularity is undeniable. A single reel on the She Grows Veg Instagram account garnered an impressive 2.8 million views and 58,000 likes. Cotterill attributes this craze to the vegetable's accessibility and versatility: "The mangelwurzel has inspired a nation to grow a different, delicious, highly productive and very easy to grow variety that is accessible for everyone."
Described as a cross between sugar beet and beetroot, the mangelwurzel is not only easy to cultivate but also a culinary gem. It is sweeter and less earthy than beetroot, perfect for mashing, roasting, or pickling. Its greens are edible, and it can even be used to make "fantastic" wine. Historically known as fodder beet and viewed as a peasant crop, it was often eaten only when other vegetables were scarce. Its spooky look even led to it being carved for Halloween before pumpkins became popular.
Beyond Mangelwurzel: A Spectrum of Unusual Vegetables
The She Grows Veg stand at Chelsea will not be limited to mangelwurzels. It will also feature an array of unusually colored crops, with black emerging as the bestselling hue for tomatoes, carrots, and chillies this year. Visitors can expect to see pink chicory, purple cauliflower, and uniquely colored radishes.
Cotterill highlighted the appeal of black vegetables: "That deep, dramatic colour comes from anthocyanins, the same compound that makes blueberries a superfood. It's a powerful antioxidant, which makes black veg genuinely good for you, and it also lends a beautiful, earthy depth of flavour." Standout varieties will include an "intensely sweet" black cherry tomato and a dark, smoky-tasting chilli Machu Picchu.
Wisteria's Return and Horticultural Challenges
In addition to vegetables, the Great Pavilion will welcome back the wisteria, a climbing purple flower absent from the tent for 15 years. The charity Plant Heritage will host six nurseries, including the Brantwood Trust, which will showcase its national collection of wisteria.
Simone Daye, head gardener at the Brantwood Trust, noted the challenges of displaying wisteria: "I think the reason there's been such a big gap is because of the unpredictability of wisteria. Its flowering times are influenced by the fluctuations of winter and spring." She expressed cautious optimism, citing daily monitoring and careful transportation as key to success.
Recipe: Mangelwurzel Gratin
To celebrate the mangelwurzel's resurgence, here's a simple recipe to try at home:
- Ingredients: 600g mangelwurzel (peeled and thinly sliced), 200ml double cream, 100ml milk, 1 clove garlic (crushed), 100g mature Cheddar (grated), 1 tsp nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Method: Preheat oven to 190°C (fan 170°C). Heat cream, milk, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a saucepan until just below boiling. Layer sliced mangelwurzel in a baking dish, pour the cream mixture over, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 40–45 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
This year's Chelsea Flower Show promises to be a vibrant celebration of horticultural innovation, with the mangelwurzel leading the charge in redefining what makes a vegetable truly exciting.
