Mustard

The healthy mustard green seeds belong to the Brassica juncea species. Its pungent and peppery flavor serves wonderful taste in some dishes. It is a seasonal vegetable, thriving well throughout winter and spring. Mustard Greens is easy to grow. It can be sown 3 weeks before the last frost and is ready within 40 days of time. The different varieties of leaves available are highly serrated (mizuna), concave (tah tsai), huge and flat (giant red) and curled (giant southern curled).

History

Mustard Greens is one of the cruciferous (or cabbage) vegetables. Some say that it originates in the Himalayan region of Asia for the past 5000 years. Today, the green forms a part of many Chinese, African American and Southern traditional and contemporary dishes.

Purpose/Use

Mustard Greens not only add color and texture, they are also full of nutrition value. Its raw form, used in salads, gives a spicy zing. It is widely grown for producing oil, while its leaves, stems and seeds are used to prepare several food items.

Benefits & Features

The green is known for low cholesterol levels and shields the human body against cancer. It ranks high in total glucosinolate content, vitamin A and C. Its direct health benefits include cardiovascular, anti inflammatory and antioxidant support for the body.