Cole crops and its diva the cauliflower
Cole crops are some of our best known vegetables. They are highly versatile in appearance and use and are full of vitamins and nutrients, but not all are easy to grow. Even vegetables have divas. October 10, 2018 - Author: Ronald Goldy Cauliflower curd enlarged to show the “rice” effect from the small protrusions. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension. The plant family Brassicaceae is also called Cruciferae because their four petalled, yellow flowers resemble a crucifix. Edible members are often referred to as cole crops and contain several of our better-known vegetables such as turnip, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and others ( see table below ). The physical appearance of these crops vary greatly, as does the plant part we eat. We eat the root in radishes, turnips and rutabaga; the leaves in kale, collards, arugula and cabbage; the swollen stem in kohlrabi; and immature flowers with broccoli and cauliflower. We also raise canola seed for cooking oil, and one member (...