Cabbage is called kool in Dutch (Netherlands) and kubis in Bahasa Indonesia. There is a story behind why Indonesians call it kubis. An article in Intisari Magazine discussed the origin of the word "kubis." It was featured in an opinion article on kompas.id dated February 25, 2019, titled "The Phenomenon of Cabbage."
The cabbage has became important component in Indonesia traditional food such as lalapan, gado-gado, etc
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
The article included a conversation between a housemaid and her Dutch employer:
Housemaid: "Sir, what is this vegetable?"
Employer: "This is cabbage."
Housemaid: "What kind of vegetable is it, Sir?"
Employer: "Kool, beest!" (meaning "cabbage" and "animal" in Dutch).
Cabbage is not native to Indonesia. In the 17th century, the plant was introduced and cultivated in the highlands by the Dutch colonialists. The cool climate, similar to Europe, allowed cabbage to thrive.
Initially, the Dutch grew cabbage to fulfill their dietary needs. Many traditional Dutch dishes, such as boerenkool soup, include cabbage.
Today, cabbage has become an important component in traditional Indonesian foods, such as lalapan, gado-gado, soup, and bakwan.
This may be an example of the successful "naturalization" of the plant from the Netherlands.
The soil management is a part of important to increasing of cabbage productivity.
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
A farmer was working on cabbage farming in Rurukan, Tomohon Indonesia.
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
