Economic Importance of Brassica Crops

Fuente: Broccoli Byproducts Extraction
Brassicaceae crops hold significant economic importance in the global food supply as oilseeds, vegetables, and condiments, and are also used as fodder, organic fertilisers, and value-added products such as fermented foods. Popular Brassica species, including cabbage, broccoli, kale, and mustard, are widely consumed for their nutritional benefits, which include antioxidants, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds. These vegetables are consumed in numerous forms, including heads, flower buds, stems, roots, and curds. Brassica-based fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, made from Chinese cabbage, are commercialised globally and are recognised for their considerable health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. They also serve as functional foods due to their prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic content. Moreover, Brassicaceae condiments, such as mustard, contribute to the global spice market and provide health benefits as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, oil cakes from mustard and rapeseed provide cost-effective, protein-rich livestock feed and serve as sustainable natural fertilisers that improve soil productivity and reduce farming costs. As a result, the Brassicaceae family has attracted growing interest for its diverse applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and medicinal industries. Its health-promoting properties support well-being and disease prevention, while its economic value underpins global trade, agriculture, and industry.