Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are a green leafy vegetable that are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family.http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/mustard.cfm The laves can be flat or curly in appearance.http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/greens.html When mustard greens are cooked, they have a sharp, mustard-like taste.http://www.ncagr.gov/freshconnect/shipperdirectory/mustardgreens.htm Florida broadleaf, green wave, and southern giant curled are the main varieties of mustard greens that can be found in grocery stores across the United States.http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/mustard.cfm Mustard greens are blanched, sauteed, boiled, and streamed. They can be stored in the refrigerator with a temperature between 32 F and 36 F, and will last about 14 days.http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/mustard.cfm

Mustard green seeds are planted in the early spring season, between three weeks before and after the last known frost. Seeds are also planted during the summer months for the fall season. Fall mustard green plants are more flavorful compared to plants harvested in the summer after the first planting of the spring.http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/mustard.cfm The mustard green plant produces a brown mustard seed used to make Dijon mustard.http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/greens.html

Mustard greens are a source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, manganese, vitamin E, tryptophan, fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, protein, copper, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, thiamine (vitamin B1), and niacin (vitamin B3).http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=93 http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/greens.html Mustard greens are also low in calories.http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/greens.html

Mustard greens originated in the Himalayan Mountains in India.http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/greens.html Households have been eating mustard greens for over 5000 years. They became a regular staple in the United States during the 18th and 1th centuries when slaves incorporated the vegetable into their diets. India, Nepal, China, Japan, and the United States are the leading producers of mustard greens.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=93

Mustard greens are found in Chinese and southern United States recipes.http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/greens.html Some dishes mustard greens are used for are a baked gratin, stir-fries and sautes with other vegetables.