A hardy, cool-season crucifer (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) of Mediterranean origin and belonging to the plant order Capparales. Cabbage is grown for its head of overlapping leaves (see illus.), which are generally eaten raw in salads, cooked fresh, or processed into sauerkraut. Because it normally produces seed the second year, cabbage is considered to be a biennial by most authorities. Others regard it as a perennial because it will remain vegetative unless subjected to cold weather.