Containing around 3200 species, this plant family contains tons of important edible crops like cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, mustard, turnips, radishes, bok choy, wasabi, horseradish, watercress, cress, arugula, nasturtium, collards, and rapeseed. Known collectively as cruciferous vegetables, many of these crops contain chemicals which may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Flowers are four-petaled and resemble a cross, thus giving them their nickname (in Latin, crucifer means “cross-bearer”). These plants tend to favor a cool growing season and are usually best when harvested after the first light frosts.
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