Brussels sprouts, a biennial herb of Brassica in Cruciferae (closely related to cabbage and broccoli), is a variety of cabbage in which axillary buds can form lobular balls. It is native to the Mediterranean coast and looks like a miniature cabbage. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw food can be used for salad, while cooking can be used for frying, making soup, stewing and baking.