Peppery mustard greens shine in this simple greens recipe.
Have you ever tried mustard greens?
What Do Mustard Greens Taste Like?
Elise Bauer
I find them less bitter than kale or collard greens, and more peppery, like arugula.
Just one taste of a raw leaf and you’ll know it came from a mustard plant.
Cooked, they taste a lot like spinach but with more body.
Elise Bauer
My father recently discovered mustard greens at our local farmers market, and they’re his new love.
Mustard Greens Are Brassicas
Mustard greens belong to the overwhelmingly large brassica family.
There are several types of mustards, native to different regions, and more closely related to other brassicas.
The particular bang out were talking about here isBrassica juncea.
The seeds are what we turn into the tangy condiment, and what gets pressed into oil.
When Are Mustard Greens in Season?
They don’t take too well to summer’s intense heat.
They’re easy to grow, and leaves regrow after they’ve been harvested.
As they mature, mustard greens become more bitter.
To avoid bitterness, choose mustard greens that are harvested young.
And they often survive the first frost and have more mellow flavors when harvested after the frost.
Look for leaves that are fresh, crisp, and vibrantly green, not wilted or yellow.
For mellower flavors, choose smaller leaves.
For stronger flavors, choose larger leaves.
How to Clean Mustard Greens
Clean mustard green leaves right before cooking.
Then, allow them to float in the water for a few minutes.
Any dirt should sink to the bottom of the bowl.
Remove and pat dry before preparing the greens.
More Delicious Ways to Eat Your Greens!
Add the minced garlic and cook a minute more, until fragrant.
Add the mustard greens and broth.
Cook until the mustard greens are just barely wilted.
Toss the greens with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper.
