Cole Crops, Other Brassica, and Crucifer Vegetables

Abstract

Commonly known as the mustard family, the Brassicaceae consists of more than 300 genera and 3000 species. Included are important annual and biennial vegetables as well as valuable oil seed and ornamental crops distributed throughout the world. Most are grown in temperate regions, and some are even grown in subarctic climates. Many Brassicaceae crops commonly known as crucifers are widely recognized for their contribution to human nutrition and for other possible healthful benefits. Recent research suggests that some crucifers may have cancer-preventive attributes.