If you want to add something tasty yet nutritious food in your daily diet, then check the Best Cruciferous Vegetable List.
Discover the Best Cruciferous Vegetables, offering a unique blend of nutrition and flavor to elevate your meals and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Check 17 Vegetables that are Fruits – The List is Surprising! here
What are Cruciferous Vegetables?
Cruciferous vegetables, a diverse group including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress, and radishes, belong to the mustard family. The term “cruciferous” originates from the Latin Cruciferae, meaning “cross-bearing,” due to the four-petal cross-like structure.
Despite varying in appearance, these vegetables share nutritional benefits. Most contain vitamins and minerals like folate and vitamin K. Dark green cruciferous veggies provide vitamins A and C and phytonutrients. These plant-based compounds may reduce inflammation and cancer risk.
Additionally, they are rich in fiber and low in calories, promoting a feeling of fullness without overeating.
Check 17 Best Vegetables to Grow in 5 Gallon Buckets & 12 Inches Pots here
Best Cruciferous Vegetables
1. Arugula
Botanical Name: Eruca vesicaria
Arugula comes first in the list of cruciferous vegetables. It is a rich source of nitrates and polyphenols and is also quite easy to grow.
2. Broccoli
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Broccoli offers green florets and stalks. This vegetable is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, as well as fiber and folate.
Here is How to Grow Broccoli in Pots
3. Horseradish
Botanical Name: Armoracia rusticana
This cruciferous vegetable is a great source of antioxidants that protect the body from cellular damage.
4. Bok Choy
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Bok choy is loaded with cancer-fighting compounds; this cruciferous vegetable has a good amount of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, and folate.
Learn about Growing Bok Choy in Water here
5. Radish
Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus
Radish belongs to the Brassicaceae family; it offers a good amount of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Here is Everything About Growing Radishes In Containers and pots
6. Brussels Sprouts
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Brussels sprouts look like mini cabbages. This cruciferous vegetable is a great option as a nutritious side dish or main course.
Here is How to Grow Brussels Sprout in a Pot
7. Kale
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea acephala
This Cruciferous vegetable is a superfood; the dark green leaves of kale are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
Here is How to Plant Kale in Containers
8. Rutabaga
Botanical Name: Brassica napus Napobrassica Group
Also known as Swedish turnip, this root cruciferous vegetable looks like a turnip.
9. Cauliflower
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
This popular cruciferous vegetable is the best source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and folate.
Learn about Growing Cauliflower in Containers here
10. Turnips
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Antioxidants such as quercetin, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, and beta-carotene, in turnip may contribute to the breakdown of LDL, resulting in reduced levels in the body.
Here is How to Grow Turnips in Containers
11. Watercress
Botanical Name: Nasturtium officinale
This nutritious cruciferous vegetable grows in water. It is enriched with vitamins A, C, and K. It also has minerals like iron and calcium.
12. Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
This nutrient-rich, cruciferous vegetable is an amazing source of fiber and vitamin C that makes the immune system strong.
Check out our article on growing cabbage here
13. Wasabi
Botanical Name: Wasabia japonica
Wasabi has isothiocyanates (ITCs) that give it a pungent taste; it also offers health benefits.
Here is How to Grow Wasabi ANYWHERE
14. Collard Greens
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. viridis
This cruciferous vegetable is full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that offer amazing health benefits.
15. Tatsoi
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa
The plant features dark green spoon-shaped leaves that create a dense rosette. Tatsoi is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, folic acid, calcium, and potassium.
16. Kohlrabi
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group
Kohlrabi is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can add it to salads and slaws.
Check out our article on growing Kohlrabi in pots here
17. Mustard Greens
Botanical Name: Brassica juncea
Young plants are suitable for raw use in salads or can be steamed or stir-fried as they mature. The green leaves control the absorption of carcinogens by the body.
18. Chinese Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa var. Pekinensis
Napa cabbage offers soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
