Organic mustard
Product Description
Organic mustard ( Brassica juncea ) from the seed company Gaia, a spicy and nutritious flavor in the vegetable garden
Mustard greens , from the Brassicaceae family, are a leafy vegetable prized for their spicy, slightly peppery flavor . Popular in the Southern United States, Asian, and North African cuisines, they add a spicy kick to dishes, whether steamed, sautéed, in soups, or even raw in salads .
This fast-growing plant is ideal for cool climates such as northern regions , where it can be harvested several times a season . In addition to being delicious and easy to grow , it is an excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamins A, C and K , thus contributing to a healthy and balanced diet .
Did you know?
Mustard seeds , used to produce the famous yellow condiment , come from several species of Brassica , including Brassica juncea .
In addition to its culinary use , mustard is also known for its medicinal properties : it stimulates digestion, promotes blood circulation and is sometimes used as a poultice to relieve muscle pain.
In some crops it is also grown as a green manure , improving soil quality and reducing the presence of harmful pests in the vegetable garden.
Spread: Bushy habit and ample foliage
Plant height: 30 to 60 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 500 seeds
Companion plants: Dill, fennel, yarrow, mint, corn, peas, rosemary, thyme, beetroot, celery, carrot, lettuce, onion, cucumber
Enemy plants: Sunflower, beans, strawberry, turnip, knotweed
Cultivation method
Green mustard grows quickly and adapts to various soil types , provided they are well drained . It can be grown from early spring until autumn and tolerates light frosts , which extends its growing period.
Soak seeds in warm water for 12 hours before sowing to improve germination.
Sow directly in open ground as soon as the soil can be worked , in spring or late summer for an autumn harvest.- Sow 1-2cm (1/2-1") deep , spacing plants 5-10cm (2-4") apart and rows 30-60cm (12-24") apart.
Germination in 5 to 10 days , with an optimum temperature of 15 to 21°C .
Moderate watering , the plant tolerates slight drought well, but prefers fresh soil to prevent the leaves from becoming too bitter.
Thin out the plants once they reach 5 cm in height to encourage good development.
Harvesting and conservation
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Harvest young leaves as soon as they reach 7-10 cm (3-4") , cutting them 2 cm from the ground .
More mature leaves can be cooked or sautéed , their flavor being more pronounced.
Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week .
Long-term storage : leaves can be dehydrated, frozen or lacto-fermented to enjoy them all year round.
The seeds can be harvested when fully ripe , dried and used to make homemade mustard or as a spice.
Ideas for use in the kitchen
Add them to Asian stir-fries , where they make a great substitute for bok choy.
Add them to soups and stews for a touch of character and depth.
Serve them braised with garlic and chili pepper , as an accompaniment to meat and fish.
Blend them into a green smoothie for a dose of spice and a richness of nutrients.
Let them go to seed and harvest them to make a spicy homemade mustard .