White Mustard (B. hirta/Sinapis alba) is the mildest variety of Mustard Greens with white/yellow Mustard Seeds. White Mustard grows wild in North Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Europe, and has been spread further afield by trade and long years of cultivation.
White Mustard Greens are available all year long.
Mustard Greens have some frost tolerance but grow best in temperate regions. Mustard seeds generally take three to ten days to germinate if placed under the proper conditions, which include a cold atmosphere and relatively moist soil. Brown Mustard Seeds and Black Mustard Seeds have higher yields than White Mustard Seeds. With enough time, mature Mustard plants grow into shrubs.
India, Nepal, China, Japan are among the leading producers of Mustard Greens, the U.S. grows a significant quantity of Mustard Greens as well. Major producers of mustard seeds include Canada, Hungary, Great Britain, India, Pakistan and the United States.
When purchasing White Mustard Greens, look for ones that are a lively white color, fresh looking and crisp. Good White Mustard Greens should be blemish-free, with no yellow or brown spots.
White Mustard Greens are best stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with as much air removed from them as possible. Refrigerated, White Mustard Greens should remain fresh for about 3-5 days. White Mustard Greens can be frozen for 8-10 months.
White Mustard Seeds can be used to make Mustard. Preparations made with White Mustard Seeds have a less pungent flavor than Mustards made from Black Mustard or Brown Mustard (Indian Mustard).
All Mustard Greens can be Steamed, Sautéed, Boiled, or Stir Fried. Sautéing Mustard Greens helps retain their flavor and keeps them from getting soft and water logged. If you find Mustard Greens too piquant, their spiciness can be toned down with the addition of a cooking Acid, such as Vinegar or Citrus juice near the end of cooking. Smart Kitchen’s recipe for Sautéed Mustard Greens can be found by following the link.
Allow 1-2 oz of White Mustard Greens per person.
Bacon, Prosciutto, Ham Hock, Onions, Garlic, Oils, Sesame Oil, Olive Oil, Salads, Soy Sauce, Vinegars
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