Brassica carinata Abyssinian cabbage (Cruciferae)

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Brassica carinata
Abyssinian cabbage
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The Brassica carinata plant species is found in N. Africa - Ethiopia. Occasional in Britain. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Abyssinian cabbage.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Brassica carinata
Common Name:  Abyssinian cabbage
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  A.Braun.

Known Hazards:  The oil contained in the seed of this species is rich in erucic acid which is toxic. However, modern cultivars have been selected which are almost free of erucic acid.

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  An occasional bird-sown alien on waste ground in Britain.

Edible Uses: Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked[2, 52, 61, 141]. Used when up to 30cm tall[183]. A mild and pleasant cabbage flavour[K], the young growth can be cut finely and used in mixed salads, whilst older leaves are cooked like cabbage leaves[183]. Immature flowering stems - cooked. Used like broccoli[183], they make a nice vegetable[K]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183]. Oil from the wild species is high in erucic acid, which is toxic[141], though there are some cultivars that contain very little erucic acid and can be used as food[K]. The seed can also be crushed and used as a condiment[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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