Pontoise cabbage is a vegetable with an inimitable flavour that was once grown on nearly half of the Cergy-Pontoise plain. A few reminders of its heyday still remain, such as the famous Quartier du Chou (meaning “Cabbage District”) along the Oise.Harvested from October onwards, this cabbage is sold all winter long and is very popular with market gardeners as it can withstand the cold particularly well. It is part of the big Savoy cabbage family, and has a purplish, tender centre. Less compact than the white cabbage, it nonetheless keeps its shape well when cooking, and can be eaten in all its forms, raw or cooked, as a side dish with meat, in a soup or as a salad.Pontoise cabbage is also known for its many therapeutic benefits. It’s excellent for your health as it’s packed with vitamins C and E, potassium and anti-oxidants, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as cholesterol.