Caption

Oriental cabbage. View of an oriental cabbage (Brassica oleracea). The cabbage is of very ancient cultivation and has been grown in Europe since at least 2500 B.C. It was introduced into England by the Romans and is now grown throughout the world, including the lowland tropics. Cabbages may be eaten raw or cooked, while red cabbages are often used for pickling. Sauerkraut, a favourite food in Germany and Russia, is sliced cabbage fermented in its own juice together with salt.