Culture and enjoyment: Dithmarscher Kohltage start with celebration in Marne!

Culture and enjoyment: Dithmarscher Kohltage start with celebration in Marne!

The Dithmarscher Kohltage, which are celebrated in Hesse from September 17th to September 22nd, 2024, are not only a festival for the palate, but also a tribute to one of the most important vegetables in the region: the cabbage. The event promises a wide range of activities, including numerous city festivals and markets that bring together small and large.

A special highlight of the carbon days is the solemn cabbage intersection, which begins on Tuesday, September 17th, at 10 a.m. This traditional start takes place at the renowned cabbage head breeding company Rijk Zwaan in Marne. Among other things, prominent personalities such as Anne Benett-Sturies, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as local dignitaries such as the district president Ute Borwieck-Dethlefs and District Administrator Thorben Schütt include. For the festival visitors there are insights into the breeding of cabbage heads, accompanied by music, culinary delights from the region, handicrafts and a farmers' market.

The meaning of the Dithmarscher Kohls

Dithmarschen is still considered the largest coherent coal growing area in Europe, which has grown over 130 years. Every year, around 90 million cabbage heads are cultivated on an area of over 3,000 hectares of fertile marshland. The regional importance is underlined by the inclusion of dithmarscher white and red cabbage in the EU quality register for agricultural products in 2014. This award speaks for the high quality of the Dithmarscher Kohls and raises the region to an international level.

The event is organized by the Association for the Promotion of Dithmarschen (VfD) and the Marne-Nordsee office, with Rijk Zwaan being hosting this year. The Dutch company celebrates its 100th anniversary and has created an experimental field with different types of head cabbage on this occasion to offer visitors a unique insight into the world of coal breeding.

Wilken Boie, the chairman of the VfD, is pleased with the first orientation of the average festival by Rijk Zwaan: "The company has been connected to the coal days for many years, and I would like to express my special thanks to the organization team from the office and Rijk Zwaan." The long history of the cooperation testifies to the close connection between the company and the region, which further underpins the importance of this event.

Frank Eschenbach, the head of the city and regional development department in the Marne-Nordsee office, adds that Rijk Zwaan has a unique knowledge in the field of cabbage production and has been supporting the city festival in Marne for over 20 years. This continued partnership not only delights the organizers, but also enriches the entire event with valuable knowledge and experiences.

With a variety of cabbage specialties offered by 27 member companies of Dehoga, visitors have the opportunity to cost themselves through a colorful range of dishes. Whether hearty or easy, the culinary offers promise an unforgettable experience for every taste. The Dithmarscher Kohltage are therefore not only a festival of the cabbage, but also a celebration of regional gastronomy and culture.

A review of the cabbage festival

As the Dithmarscher Kohltage is celebrated in 2024, suggests that the event is much more than just a traditional event. It is an expression of regional identity and pride in agricultural products that thrive here. The festival is a platform for exchange, education and culinary diversity, and it will be exciting to see which new trends and innovations are presented this year.

The Dithmarscher Kohltage are not only a celebration of the cabbage, but also reflect the regional identity and the economic structures of the North Sea region. Cabbage cultivation has a long tradition here and is deeply anchored in the cultural landscape. In recent decades, a variety of companies have established itself that cover everything from processing to the sale of regional cabbage products. This development has contributed to the creation of numerous jobs and strengthened the local economy.

The economic importance of cabbage cultivation

The economic effects of coal cultivation in Dithmarschen are considerable. Thanks to its fertile soils and the special climate, the region has developed into an important producer of Kohl. The export of Dithmarscher Kohl not only contributes to the added value on site, but also strengthens the position of the German agricultural economy on the international market. Dithmarscher Kohl acts as a real figurehead for the region and always opens up new opportunities for local farmers and companies.

Cultural events to promote the region

The cabbage days offer a platform for the presentation of regional culture and culinary delay. The variety of events, from market stalls to culinary workshops, attract numerous visitors and promotes the exchange between locals and tourists. This not only increases the level of awareness of the Dithmarscher Kohl, but also strengthens the community and social interaction. Agricultural companies, the products of which can be estimated and tried as part of such events, receive special attention.

In addition, events such as the solemn coal intersection help to preserve and pass on the traditional way of agriculture. Young and old meet here to learn how the cabbage is grown and what meaning it has for their region.

environmental consumption and sustainable agriculture

The way in which Kohl is grown in Dithmarschen has also developed in relation to environmental protection. More and more companies are relying on sustainable growing methods to reduce ecological footprint. This includes crop sequences, reduced pesticide use and the use of biological fertilizers. According to a study by the Kiel University of Applied Sciences, the sustainably economy companies not only have positive environmental effects, but also see economic advantages through lower operating costs and increased product quality.

The connection of traditional agriculture with modern, environmentally conscious practices not only increases the region's competitiveness on the market, but also makes a contribution to more environmentally friendly agriculture in Germany.