Cruciferous vegetables: an overview

Different types of cruciferous vegetables

What are Cruciferous Vegetables?

In general, cruciferous vegetables belong to the Cruciferae family, which mostly contains the Brassica genus, but includes other genuses as well. In general, they grow in cooler weather. When in bloom they have four petals resembling a cross, hence cruciferous (Cruciferae, Latin for ‘cross-bearing’).

Why should we eat them?

Cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates (β-thioglucoside N-hydroxysulfates) that give them a pungent aroma and spicy (according to some bitter) taste. It’s precisely their high glucosinolate content which may play important roles in disease prevention by triggering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response and contributing to the maintenance of cell homeostasis (source and more information).

(In)complete list of cruciferous vegetables

You may want to include more cruciferous vegetables in your diet, both for their health benefits as well as their ability to grow fast in almost all places. I will add a recipe every Monday, and once published, it will have a link below. Did I forget a cruciferous vegetable in the list below? Let me know!