Extension economist Jose Pena of Uvalde said the boost in cabbage sales for the upcoming holiday should bring the market out of its slump. Each individual cabbage is bigger, and consumers don't want that.
Consumers prefer a cabbage head that weighs two to three pounds.
The increase of production by 30 percent to 40 percent this winter has flooded the market and caused it to collapse. The traditional St. Patrick's Day meal, corned beef and cabbage, dates back to 12th century Ireland, where salt and beef used in making the dish were too expensive for daily use. The Ancient Irish saved the meal for special occasions like Easter and later St. Patrick's Day. Pena said there is usually a noticeable influx in cabbage sales around this time, and the holiday could be just what the market needs to get back on its feet. Ann Bargus, Market reporter for the Texas Department of Agriculture, said she has seen some improvement in sales as March 17 draws near.