Mustard Family

Members of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), also known as the cabbage family or the crucifers, are characterized by their four-petaled flowers arranged in a cross shape (hence the name crucifer, meaning “cross-bearing”).

This diverse plant family gives us some of the world’s most pungent spices—mustard seed, horseradish, and wasabi—as well as many of the most nutritious vegetables, such as arugula, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, radishes, and watercress.