Head Mustard

Brassica juncea integrifolia rugosa

Physical Characteristics

Brassica juncea integrifolia rugosa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

A cultivar of garden origin.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Leaves and stems - raw or cooked[ 22 , 33 , 46 , 52 , 61 ]. A peppery flavour that can range from mild to hot, this is one of the most highly prized cooked vegetables in the Orient[ 206 ]. The leaves are more peppery than the stems[ 206 ]. The leaves can also be finely shredded and added to mixed salads[ 206 ]. The leaves can be harvested at any stage from seedling to maturity, becoming hotter with age[ 206 ].The protein extracted from the leaves mixes well with banana pulp and is well adapted as a pie filling[ 183 ]. Flowers and young flowering stems - raw or cooked[ 52 ]. Sweet and succulent[ 133 ]. An edible semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed[ 1 , 2 , 17 , 57 , 183]. The seed contains 25 - 30% oil[ 74 ]. The seed is used as a mustard flavouring[ 171 ]. It is the source of 'brown mustard'[ 183 ], a prepared mustard that is milder than that produced from other species[ 238 ]. Pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard[ 238 ]. Black mustard comes from B. nigra and white mustard from Sinapis alba. The seed is also used whole in curries and pickles[ 238 ]. They are often heated in oil to destroy their pungency and give them a nutty flavour[ 238 ]. Sprouted seeds can be added to salads.

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiarthritic Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Antitumor Diuretic Emetic Emmenagogue Foot care Galactogogue Laxative Rubefacient Stimulant Tonic Reported to be anodyne, aperitif, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, and stimulant, the plant is a folk remedy for arthritis, foot ache, lumbago, and rheumatism[ 269 ]. The seed is used in the treatment of tumours in China[ 269 ]. In Korea, the seeds are used in the treatment of abscesses, colds, lumbago, rheumatism, and stomach disorders[ 269 ]. The root is used as a galactagogue in Africa[ 269 ]. Ingestion may impart a body odour repellent to mosquitoes[ 269 ]. Mustard oil is used in the treatment of skin eruptions and ulcers[ 269 ]. Believed to be aperient and tonic, the volatile oil is used as a counterirritant and stimulant[ 269 ]. In Java the plant is used as an antisyphilitic emmenagogue[ 269 ]. Leaves applied to the forehead are said to relieve headache[ 269 ]. The Chinese eat the leaves in soups for bladder, inflammation or haemorrhage[ 269 ].

Known Hazards

None known