Tag: Brassica oleracea

While it might seem obvious to a botanist, a recent study from FoodStruct showed that a surprising number of people are unsure about the relationship between common vegetables. This uncertainty often applies to kale, with many asking, "Is kale cabbage?" The answer is that while they are not the same plant, they are indeed very close relatives.

Did you know that broccoli, as we know it, does not exist in the wild? It is a product of human cultivation, and the short answer to whether is broccoli a modified leaf is a definitive no, as its edible parts are immature flower buds and the stem.

Over the past decade, kale has skyrocketed in popularity, yet confusion persists over its classification. Many wonder: is kale a vegetable or a fruit? The answer depends on whether you're looking at it from a botanical perspective or a culinary one, though in both contexts, kale is overwhelmingly considered a vegetable.

While often grouped with green vegetables, broccoli's classification is more specific. A cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is a member of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), which also includes cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Understanding the difference helps clarify its unique nutritional profile and how it fits into a balanced diet.

Globally, 26.5 million tonnes of cauliflower and broccoli were produced in 2023, and yes, the edible part of the cauliflower is indeed the curd. This tight cluster of undeveloped flower buds is the most common culinary portion, though the leaves are also technically edible. Understanding this unique part of the plant adds an interesting layer to this popular cruciferous vegetable.

Broccoli sprouts are often mistaken for microgreens, but their distinction is important, especially since they contain significantly more of the powerful antioxidant sulforaphane than mature broccoli. Most commonly, an alternative name for broccoli sprouts is simply “sprouting broccoli,” but their scientific classification adds another layer of specificity.

Did you know that kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all the same species of plant? Known for its nutritional value and earthy flavor, kale belongs to the Brassicaceae family, a group of vegetables colloquially known as the cabbage or mustard family. This family is also commonly referred to as the cruciferous vegetable group.

First cultivated widely near Brussels, Belgium, in the 16th century, the humble Brussels sprout has a surprising and complex botanical identity. Far more than a miniature cabbage, understanding what a Brussel sprout is classified as reveals its close family ties to many other popular vegetables. It is an edible bud from a plant that shares common ancestry with a diverse range of crops.

While most people grow ornamental kale for its vibrant foliage, the plant is not poisonous and is technically edible, belonging to the same species, *Brassica oleracea*, as many culinary vegetables. However, there are important distinctions regarding its flavor and cultivation that anyone should know before trying to eat it.

Did you know both collard greens and cabbage are cultivars of the same species, *Brassica oleracea*? So, are collard greens considered cabbage? The answer is more about family ties than being the same vegetable, as they belong to different cultivar groups with distinct growth habits and characteristics.