There are several synonyms for the word "red cole", which is another term for the vegetable we commonly know as red cabbage. Some of the other names used for red cabbage are purple cabbage, red kraut, blue kraut, or blue-jacket cabbage. The name "red cole" is actually derived from the time when people used to grow cabbages for their medicinal properties, particularly to soothe ailments such as coughs and colds. Today, we use red cabbage more for culinary purposes, as it adds a beautiful color and texture to salads, slaws, and stir-fries. So next time you pick up a head of "red cole", remember all the other names it's known by!