(Brassica oleracea, Gongylodes group), form of cabbage of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), first described in the 16th century, of European origin. Its most distinctive feature is the greatly enlarged stem just above the soil. It is best harvested for food when this enlargement is 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches) in diameter. At this stage the enlargement is globular to slightly flattened, but if allowed to become old it becomes elongated. The flesh resembles that of the turnip but is sweeter and milder. Kohlrabi is not widely grown commercially but is popular in some regions as a kitchen garden vegetable; in Europe it is grown for stock feed. The young tender leaves may be eaten as greens; the thickened stem is served as a cooked vegetable.