Brassica is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family, Brassicaceae. The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages or mustard plants. Crops from this genus are sometimes called cole crops, derived from the Latin caulis, denoting the stem or stalk of a plant. A dislike for cabbage or broccoli can result from the fact that these plants contain a compound similar to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), which is either bitter or tasteless to people depending on their taste buds.

This excellent table variety, Turnip Early Purple Top Globe, is globular in shape, of good size and very attractive appearance. The roots are large, edible, purple or dark red above the ground, white below. The flesh is white, fine grained and tender. The roots, when in best condition for the table, are about 8 cm in diameter, but can be grown much larger for stock feeding. This sort keeps well for so early a variety and is one of the best for market use. Sometimes known as Red Top White Globe.