Originally cow fodder, kale is apparently not popular with New Zealanders. Photo / Getty Images
Originally cow fodder, kale is apparently not popular with New Zealanders. Photo / Getty Images
The votes are in and Kiwis’ favourite and most despised vegetables have been announced in the country’s very first VegElection says the campaign’s promotor.
At the start of voting in September, seed producer and garden supply retailer Yates kicked off a campaign with the idea for an election to decide the country’s top vegetable to run concurrently with the New Zealand general election.
“EYate’s spokesperson Fiona Arthur said at the time; ‘As everyone gears up for the national election – and the all-important inaugural VegElection - Kiwi gardeners were prepping, mulching and weeding to get gardens ready for the summer vege crops.
“We’re hoping people can park the political discourse for a moment and think potatoes, peas and parsnips.”
Today’s announcement displayed a clear winner, a staple edible berry of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, otherwise known as the common tomato.
In a release today, Yates said: “The trusted tomato has topped the polls which saw around 4500 people cast their vege votes from across New Zealand. With a clear majority, the tomato was declared a versatile and widely used ingredient in salads, sauces and sandwiches, making them a popular choice for many people.
“However, the winning ‘vegetable’ also comes with some controversy. As pointed out by horticulturist Kate Hillier, it’s important to remember that the tomato is actually classified as a fruit because they develop from the flowering part of the plant and contain seeds.
“In a surprising twist, the notorious brussel sprout did not get banished to the compost bin of history as the ‘Most Hated Vege.’ That dubious honour was taken out by the much-criticised kale which ironically has risen to popularity in recent years.
Although the tomato is technically a fruit, the red corner won this vege election. Photo / Pixabay
The traditional cow fodder reached superfood status a few years ago due to its range of beneficial nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins and iron. However, kale’s strong flavour and texture have provided a challenge for some.
Yates spokeswoman Fiona Arthur says the VegElection was all about having a bit of fun in the lead-up to National Gardening Week and the more serious business of the country’s general election.
“As Kiwis gear up for the main event we wanted to create our own take on democracy which we hope has brought some light relief to the political discourse. Regardless of the election outcome, New Zealanders are united in their love of veges,” says Fiona.
The favourite runner-up was broccoli followed closely by kūmara while the second most hated vegetable was okra, followed by broadbeans.
The all-important questions were put to our political leaders and while some declined to comment, Christopher Luxon briefly stepped off the campaign trail to respond. His favourite vegetable is the potato and his least favourite is cabbage.
Fiona commented that cabbage has had a bad rap over the decades.
“Grandmothers were famous for boiling cabbage into submission but these days cabbage has had quite the facelift. Think cabbage rolls or okonomiyaki – Japanese pancakes – and you can’t go past a good coleslaw.
“Cabbage is a low-calorie, high-fibre vegetable that aids weight management. Due to its high water content, you can feel fuller, therefore reducing calorie intake, and its low glycaemic index can regulate blood sugar levels. So it’s a winner all round really,” concluded Fiona.
