Organic Red Giant Mustard Seeds (Brassica juncea) – Striking Purple-Red Leaves with Bold Flavor
Brassica juncea
Minimum: 50+ seeds
Add a splash of vibrant color and bold flavor to your garden with Organic Red Giant Mustard Seeds (Brassica juncea). This striking variety features large, purple-red leaves with a robust, spicy taste that intensifies as the weather cools. Perfect for salads, stir-fries, and pickling, Red Giant Mustard is not only a culinary delight but also a beautiful ornamental plant. Its vigorous growth and cold tolerance make it an excellent choice for fall and winter gardening.
Key Features:
- Vibrant Color: Red Giant Mustard is known for its large, deeply veined leaves that boast a striking purple-red hue, adding visual appeal to your garden and plate.
- Bold Flavor: The leaves offer a robust, peppery flavor with a hint of spice that intensifies as the temperature drops, making them a favorite for adding zest to salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes.
- Versatile Culinary Uses: Ideal for fresh salads, stir-fries, soups, and pickling. The leaves can also be used as a spicy wrap for grilled meats or vegetables.
- Cold Tolerant: Red Giant Mustard thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for fall planting. It can withstand light frosts, which often enhance the flavor.
- Ornamental Appeal: Beyond its culinary uses, this variety's vibrant leaves make it an attractive addition to ornamental garden beds and edible landscapes.
Growing Tips:
- Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they are 2-3 inches tall.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, particularly in warmer climates or during the height of summer.
- Soil: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Incorporate organic matter like compost to enhance soil fertility and moisture retention.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist to promote lush, tender growth. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent the leaves from becoming too spicy or tough.
- Fertilizing: Apply an organic balanced fertilizer to support vigorous growth. Extra nitrogen will promote lush, leafy growth.
Harvesting Tips:
- When to Harvest: Red Giant Mustard can be harvested at any stage. For the mildest flavor, pick young leaves. Mature leaves offer a more intense, peppery taste.
- How to Harvest: Harvest individual leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant at the base for a full harvest. The plant will continue to produce new leaves if you harvest selectively.
- Storage: Store harvested leaves in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
Culinary Uses:
- Fresh Salads: Add young, tender Red Giant Mustard leaves to salads for a bold, spicy flavor and vibrant color.
- Stir-Fries: Sauté the leaves with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick, flavorful side dish.
- Pickling: Preserve the peppery flavor by pickling the leaves, creating a tangy, spicy addition to sandwiches and burgers.
- Wraps: Use large leaves as a wrap for grilled meats, vegetables, or rice for a low-carb, flavorful alternative to tortillas.
Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits:
- Rich in Nutrients: Red Giant Mustard leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Antioxidants: The vibrant purple-red color indicates a high level of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Mustard greens have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, these greens support healthy digestion and can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements.
Why Grow Red Giant Mustard:
Growing Red Giant Mustard adds both beauty and flavor to your garden. Its vibrant leaves and bold taste make it a standout in any dish, while its cold tolerance ensures a reliable harvest even in cooler climates.
Perfect for Bold Gardeners and Cooks:
If you love bold colors and flavors, Red Giant Mustard is the perfect addition to your garden. Its striking appearance and robust taste make it a must-have for any culinary garden.
Specifications:
- Botanical Name: Brassica juncea
- Seed Count: Minimum 50+ seeds per pack
- Plant Type: Annual
- Leaf Size: Large, broad leaves
- Days to Maturity: 40-50 days
- Hardiness Zones: 3-10
Elevate your garden and your meals with the vibrant color and bold flavor of Organic Red Giant Mustard Seeds. Order today to enjoy this stunning and delicious heirloom variety!