''Brassica'' () is a genus of plants in the cabbage and Mustard plant, mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, or Mustard plant, mustard plants. Crops from this genus are sometimes called ''cole crops''derived from the Latin ''caulis'', denoting the stem or stalk of a plant. The genus ''Brassica'' is known for its important agricultural and horticultural crops and also includes a number of weeds, both of wild taxon, taxa and escapees from cultivation. ''Brassica'' species and varieties commonly used for food include bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, choy sum, kohlrabi, napa cabbage, rutabaga, turnip and some seeds used in the production of canola oil and the condiment Mustard (condiment), mustard. Over 30 wild species and hybrids are in cultivation, plus numerous cultivars and hybrids of cultivated origin. Most are seasonal plants (Annual plant, annuals or Biennial plant, biennials), but some are small shrubs. ''Brassica'' plants have been the subject of much scientific interest for their agricultural importance. Six particular species (''Brassica carinata, B. carinata'', ''Brassica juncea, B. juncea'', ''Brassica oleracea, B. oleracea'', ''Brassica napus, B. napus'', ''Brassica nigra, B. nigra'', and ''Brassica rapa, B. rapa'') evolved by the combining of chromosomes from three earlier species, as described by the triangle of U theory. The genus is native to Western Europe, the Mediterranean climate, Mediterranean and temperate regions of Asia. Many wild species grow as weeds, especially in North America, South America, and Australia. A dislike for cabbage or broccoli can result from the fact that these plants contain a compound similar to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), which is either bitter or tasteless to people depending on their taste buds.

Uses

Food

The flowers, seeds, stalks, and tender leaves of many species of ''Brassica'' can be eaten raw or cooked. Almost all parts of some species have been developed for food, including the root (rutabaga, swede, Turnip (Brassica rapa), turnip), stems (kohlrabi), leaves (cabbage, collard greens, kale), flowers (cauliflower, broccoli, romanesco broccoli), buds (Brussels sprouts, cabbage), and seeds (many, including mustard seed, and oil-producing rapeseed). Some forms with white or purple foliage or flowerheads are also sometimes grown for ornament. ''Brassica'' species are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species—see List of Lepidoptera that feed on Brassica.

Cooking

Boiling substantially reduces the levels of broccoli glucosinolates, while other cooking methods, such as steaming, Microwave oven, microwaving, and stir frying, have no significant effect on glucosinolate levels.

Species

There is some disagreement among botanists on the classification and status of ''Brassica'' species and subspecies. The following is an abbreviated list, with an emphasis on economically important species. * ''Brassica balearica'': Mallorca cabbage * ''Brassica carinata'': Abyssinian mustard or Abyssinian cabbage, used to produce biodiesel * ''Brassica elongata'': elongated mustard * ''Brassica fruticulosa'': Mediterranean cabbage * ''Brassica hilarionis'': St. Hilarion cabbage * ''Brassica juncea'': Indian mustard, brown and leaf mustards, Sarepta mustard * ''Brassica napus'': rapeseed, canola, rutabaga, Siberian kale * ''Brassica narinosa'': broadbeaked mustard * ''Brassica nigra'': black mustard * ''Brassica oleracea'': kale, cabbage, Collard (plant), collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, ''kai-lan'', Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi * ''Brassica perviridis'': tender green, mustard spinach * ''Brassica rapa'' (syn. ''B. campestris''): Chinese cabbage, turnip, rapini, ''komatsuna'' * ''Brassica rupestris'' Raf. * ''Brassica spinescens'': * ''Brassica tournefortii'': Asian mustard

Species formerly placed in ''Brassica''

* ''B. alba'' or ''B. hirta'' (white or yellow mustard)—see ''White mustard, Sinapis alba'' * ''B. geniculata'' (hoary mustard)—see ''Hirschfeldia incana'' * ''B. kaber'' (wild mustard or charlock)—see ''Sinapis arvensis''

Genome sequencing and genetics

Bayer CropScience (in collaboration with BGI-Shenzhen, China; KeyGene; the Netherlands and the University of Queensland, Australia) announced it had sequenced the entire genome of rapeseed (canola, ''Brassica napus'') and its constituent genomes present in ''B. rapa'' and ''B. oleracea'' in 2009. The ''B. rapa'' genome was sequenced by the Multinational Brassica Genome Project in 2011. This also represents the A genome component of the amphidiploid crop species ''B. napus'' and ''B. juncea''.

Etymology

'Brassica' was Pliny the Elder's name for several cabbage-like plants.Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. (hardback), (paperback). pp 76

References

External links

* {{Authority control Brassica, Brassicaceae genera Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus