From Cattle Feed to Cult Classic: Mangelwurzel's Unlikely Rise to Fame
Once dismissed as a lowly root vegetable fit only for livestock, the mangelwurzel has undergone a dramatic transformation, capturing the hearts of young gardeners and securing a coveted spot in the Great Pavilion at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, running from 19th to 23rd May. This humble crop, often likened to a witch's cauldron ingredient when unearthed, has cast off its rustic roots to become the star of an online craze, proving that even the most overlooked vegetables can find their moment in the sun.
A Social Media Sensation Sparks Gardening Revolution
Kate Cotterill and Lucy Hutchings of She Grows Veg, the duo behind the vegetable display at the show, have cultivated a giant, bright red mangelwurzel variety that has taken Instagram by storm. With millions of views and tens of thousands of likes on their social media reels, this vibrant vegetable has inspired a new generation to embrace gardening. Cotterill notes that mangelwurzels are now the best-selling seed on their website, attributing its popularity to its unique appearance and accessibility.
"What we find is that when veg is really different, people get really excited about it," she explains. "Usually they have been growing the same thing year on year so it's exciting when it's new. People that have allotments are very competitive about what they grow, and when mangelwurzel comes out of the ground it looks so bizarre, almost like a mandrake from Harry Potter. Loads of people have entered them into vegetable growing competitions and won prizes."
Beyond the Hype: Culinary Delights and Nutritional Benefits
Described as a hybrid between sugar beet and beetroot, the mangelwurzel is not only easy to grow but also versatile in the kitchen. Cotterill praises its sweet, less earthy flavour compared to beetroot, recommending it mashed, roasted, or pickled. Its greens are edible, and it can even be used to make wine. Historically known as fodder beet due to its use in farming, this vegetable was once viewed as a peasant crop, eaten only in times of scarcity. Its spooky appearance also made it a popular choice for Halloween carvings before pumpkins became mainstream.
In addition to the mangelwurzel, She Grows Veg will showcase other unusually coloured crops at their stand, including black tomatoes, carrots, and chillies. Cotterill highlights that black vegetables have become best-sellers, thanks to anthocyanins—the same antioxidants found in blueberries—which provide health benefits and a rich, earthy flavour. Varieties on display will feature an intensely sweet black cherry tomato and a dark, smoky chilli Machu Picchu.
Traditional Favourites Make a Comeback
The Great Pavilion will also see the return of wisteria, the climbing purple flower absent for 15 years due to its unpredictable flowering patterns. Hosted by the charity Plant Heritage, the Brantwood Trust will feature their national collection of wisteria. Simone Daye, head gardener at the trust, expresses cautious optimism about its success, noting the challenges of timing and transportation. "From my knowledge, several people have tried in the past to bring it to RHS Chelsea and been unsuccessful," she says. "I've heard of it flowered and ready to go and then suddenly died off." To mitigate risks, the plants are being meticulously monitored and moved daily based on weather conditions.
Recipe: Mangelwurzel Gratin
For those inspired to try this newfound favourite, here's a simple recipe to enjoy mangelwurzel 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). In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until just below boiling. Layer sliced mangelwurzel in a baking dish. Pour cream mixture over. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake for 40–45 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
This year's Chelsea Flower Show promises to be a celebration of both innovation and tradition, with the mangelwurzel leading the charge in redefining what it means to grow and enjoy vegetables. As social media continues to fuel gardening trends, this once-humble root is proof that even the simplest crops can blossom into something extraordinary.
