Wasabi Greens
Latin name: Brassica juncea
๐ฑ Days to Sprout: 5-10
๐ Ready for Full Dose of plant food with true leaves or roots .5-inch long
โ๏ธ Thin to: 1 plant per yCube
๐ Days to Maturity: 45
๐ก Light Zone: Medium
๐ Plant Size: <1 ft
๐ Care Level: Beginner
Origin
Wasabi Greens, also known as brown mustard greens, are an annual herb native to Eurasia that have been cultivated for over 4,000 years. They are not technically related to the wasabi rhizome traditionally used in Japanese cuisine, but earned their name for their similar, spicy flavor.
Qualities
Wasabi Greens are known for their pungent, wasabi-like aroma and flavor once leaves are cut or eaten. The plant has bright green, serrated leaves and produces yellow flowers when bolting, which is typical for plants in the mustard family. Wasabi Greens are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, along with an impressive suite of Brassica phytochemicals. They also contain allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which not only produces the plantโs signature flavor but has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of some cancers and have antimicrobial properties.
Use
Baby Wasabi Greens add a burst of flavor to salad mixes, fresh spring rolls, and dishes with ginger and sesame. The greens are also often used in stir-fries, as lightly cooking the leaves helps dissipate their heat to reveal a sweet, full flavor.
Care & Harvest
๐กTemperature: Prefers cooler temperatures (60-70ยฐF), and if placed in higher temperatures, it will turn bitter and bolt.
โ๏ธ Pruning: Check the roots monthly and trim any that are brown or extending past the yPod.ย
๐ฅฌ Harvest: For ongoing harvest, snip the outer leaves just above the base of the plant once they reach 4 inches tall to let the inner leaves continue to grow. Harvest and eat the whole leaf, including the stalk. Leave 1/3 of the plant if you want it to continue growing. To harvest the full head, wait until it reaches maturity, then harvest from the base. The flowers are also edible as a garnish.
Our Plant Health & Nutrition Team thoroughly tests each variety we offer to bring you the most flavorful and high-quality plants. We regularly rotate our plant portfolio, so please note, availability varies.