The genus Brassica contains many familiar food crops, but what’s remarkable is the scant number of species required to fill the produce section at the grocery store. Most are cultivars of the same species. While it may be less surprising that cabbage and Brussels sprouts or broccoli and cauliflower are so closely related, all four – along with kale and collard greens – are truly of the same species (Brassica oleracea).

Also found within the genus is Brassica rapa, which includes bok choy and turnips, and multiple species of mustard. Notably, we must take an additional step back into the broader Brassicaceae family to find the nearest link to yellow mustard. But still, how odd it is to think brown mustard, turnips, and cauliflower are such close relatives!