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Science & Nature • Vegetable

Cabbage

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable in the species *Brassica oleracea*, commonly grown for its dense head of leaves.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable in the species Brassica oleracea, commonly grown for its dense head of leaves. It is usually green, but red or white varieties are also cultivated. It is closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale.

Description

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable with a short stem and a compact head made of overlapping leaves. The plant is a biennial, but it is usually grown as an annual. It belongs to the species Brassica oleracea, specifically the Capitata Group, and is a member of the mustard family Brassicaceae.

Cultivation and varieties

Cabbage is derived from wild cabbage and is typically cultivated as an annual, despite being a biennial plant. Varieties include green cabbage, red cabbage, and savoy cabbage, with common colours being green, red/purple, and white/pale green.

Culinary uses

Cabbage is versatile in the kitchen and can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed, stir-fried, or fermented. It is commonly used in coleslaw, soups, stews, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

Botanical relationships

Cabbage is closely related to other brassica vegetables, all derived from the same species Brassica oleracea. These include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and kohlrabi.

Key facts

  • Cabbage is a cultivated form of Brassica oleracea.
  • It is grown for its compact head of tightly packed leaves.
  • The vegetable is available in green, red/purple, and white varieties.
  • Cabbage belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae.
  • It is closely related to other brassica vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower.
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Canadian context

Cabbage is widely grown and eaten in Canada, and Canadian sources note domestic production, especially in Québec and Ontario.

Frequently asked questions

What is cabbage?
Cabbage is a cultivated leafy vegetable in Brassica oleracea, grown for its dense head of leaves.
Is cabbage a fruit or vegetable?
Cabbage is a vegetable, specifically a leafy vegetable.
What colours can cabbage be?
Common cabbage varieties are green, red or purple, and white or pale green.
What plants is cabbage related to?
Cabbage is closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and other brassicas.
How is cabbage commonly eaten?
It is commonly eaten raw, cooked, or fermented, including in coleslaw, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Brassica-oleracea
    Supports: Cabbage as a cultivated form of *Brassica oleracea* in the mustard family
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cabbage
    Supports: Botany, cultivation, and Canadian production of cabbage
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage
    Supports: General description, colours, and relationship to other brassica crops
  4. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cabbage
    Supports: Definition as a leafy garden plant with a dense globular head
  5. FoodPrint — https://foodprint.org/real-food/cabbage/
    Supports: Cabbage uses and relationship to other brassicas