Which vegetable does Cato the Elder declare as an excellent crop in his agricultural handbook?

Cato the Elder, a prominent figure in Roman agricultural literature, extolled the virtues of cabbage in his seminal work, "De Agri Cultura." He emphasized its versatility, nutritional benefits, and ease of cultivation, making it an excellent crop for Roman farmers. Cato understood the importance of agriculture in Roman life and sought to provide practical advice to enhance farming practices. His recommendation of cabbage reflects its relevance and value in the daily diet of his time and demonstrates how certain crops could thrive in the Roman climate and soils. This strong endorsement has influenced agricultural practices and perceptions of cabbage through history.