Tag: Brassica family

Botanically speaking, the edible part of a broccoli plant is the flower head and its stalk, not a subterranean root. This means that while many people are curious, the answer to 'is broccoli a root vegetable?' is a definitive no, as it grows entirely above ground.

While many people categorize vegetables by the part of the plant they eat, there is a fascinating overlap in classification. The common question of what are cruciferous vegetables root vegetables stems from this biological intersection, where some plants are members of the nutrient-dense Brassica family while also growing underground. This guide will explore this overlap, clarifying the difference between botanical family and edible plant part.

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a member of the nutrient-rich mustard family, which includes other edibles like broccoli and cabbage. Many home gardeners wonder, are arugula pods edible when the plant bolts and goes to seed? The answer is a delightful yes, as these peppery and crunchy pods are a secret culinary treat that should not be overlooked.

Botanically, cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a biennial plant grown as an annual vegetable for its dense-leaved heads. But is cabbage a green leafy vegetable? Despite its compact shape, it is indeed considered a leafy green, closely related to other greens like kale and collard greens.

According to the USDA, adults should aim for 1.5 to 2.5 cup-equivalents of dark-green vegetables weekly, and examples frequently include cabbage. So, is cabbage part of greens? It is, though its dense head sometimes hides its leafy nature, placing it firmly in the category of leafy green vegetables.

While the name kohlrabi is German for 'cabbage turnip', the question, **is kohlrabi the same as cabbage**, is more complex than it appears. The answer is no, they are not the same, but they are very close botanical relatives with distinctly different physical characteristics and culinary applications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), watercress has a perfect 100 out of 100 nutrient-density score, but how does its common cousin, garden cress, measure up? While both greens come from the same family, the Brassicas, their specific nutrient profiles and health benefits reveal some surprising differences that affect their "healthiest" status.

Over 2,000 years ago, broccoli was cultivated from a single species of wild cabbage, a botanical fact it shares with cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. This shared ancestry provides a clear answer to which vegetables are most closely related, though their appearance and culinary uses vary widely.

According to the National Cancer Institute, consuming cruciferous vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, which is partly attributed to their glucosinolate content. This group of vegetables, also known as the Brassica family, includes a wide array of nutrient-dense produce that should be a staple in any healthy diet.

The name cruciferous comes from the Latin word *cruciferae*, or 'cross-bearing,' because the flowers of these vegetables have four petals that resemble a cross. This distinct botanical feature is just one aspect of what defines this famously healthy family of vegetables, which includes popular foods like broccoli and cabbage.