Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a cool-season brassica grown for its dense, rounded head of tightly overlapping leaves wrapped around a short internal stem. Crisp, peppery and faintly sweet raw, it turns soft and sulfurous when boiled and sweet and savoury when braised or roasted, and is the same species as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts.