Few types of vegetables are as diverse as cabbage. But the different types and varieties of cabbage are the result of centuries of breeding.
In this day and age, many of us lack a connection to food. In the vegetable department of the supermarket, people like to reach for kohlrabi, cauliflower or other types of cabbage. However, hardly anyone knows that these types of cabbage have not existed for as long as anyone can remember. All forms of cabbage that we value so much today have their origins in wild cabbage, which is also called primeval cabbage. This can still be found in its original form in some Mediterranean countries and on the English Atlantic coast. This wild species continued to develop over many centuries. Partly through natural crossing, but mostly through intentional crossing by humans.
Tastes are known to be different, which is why breeding work has focused on different parts of the plant. This is the only way that we actually eat a thickened form of the stem of kohlrabi and only the leaves of kale. Other goals of these breeding efforts were to increase yields and improve quality in terms of taste, ingredients and shelf life.
The following overview shows which parts of the primeval cabbage were deliberately bred.
broccoli
broccoli is closely related to cauliflower. Here the flower buds and the stalk were cultivated and selected over the centuries. Similar to the cauliflower, this type of cabbage flowers in the first year. Other representatives of cabbage bloom only in the second year.
A detailed look at this type of cabbage can be found here: Portrait of broccoli.
Kohlrabi
The Kohlrabi has something to do with cabbage, you can tell by the name and the taste. In appearance, however, this species differs significantly. In this cultivated form, the stalk of the primeval cabbage was deliberately thickened. This thickens to such an extent that kohlrabi weighing several kilograms can develop.
A detailed look at this type of cabbage can be found here: Kohlrabi in portrait.
Palm cabbage / black cabbage
For the type of cabbage known in English as kale, the aim of breeding was on the leaves. These are particularly delicate in taste. Although these are slightly reminiscent of kale, the taste is milder and more varied. palm cabbage is mainly grown in the USA and Italy.
A detailed look at this type of cabbage can be found here: Palm cabbage in portrait.
cauliflower
Until today cauliflower it was a long way. Here, the flower clusters were specifically selected from the primeval cabbage. Today, cauliflower is one of the most popular vegetables in Germany. Because cauliflower is considered to be particularly wholesome and easy to digest.
A detailed look at this type of cabbage can be found here: the Cauliflower in portrait.
Head cabbage (white, red cabbage and savoy cabbage)
With these very closely related types of cabbage, the focus of breeding was on the terminal bud. While this only accounts for a few grams in primary cabbage, a head of white cabbage can also weigh over 10 kilograms.
A detailed look at these types of cabbage can be found here: white cabbage, Red cabbage and savoy in portrait.