Turnip, Field mustard, Toria, Yellow sarson

Brassica rapa

Physical Characteristics

Brassica rapa is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Derived in cultivation.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 5]. The cooked leaves make an acceptable vegetable, though they are coarser than the related cabbage. They are more often used as a spring greens, sowing the plants in the autumn and allowing them t overwinter. Young leaves can also be added in small quantities to salads, they have a slightly hot cabbage-like flavour and some people find them indigestible[K]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Root - raw or cooked[1, 5, 16, 132]. Often used as a cooked vegetable, the young roots can also be grated and eaten in salads, they have a slightly hot flavour like a mild radish. A nutritional analysis is available[218].

Medicinal Uses

Cancer Poultice A decoction of the leaves or stems is used in the treatment of cancer[218]. The powdered seed is said to be a folk remedy for cancer[269]. The crushed ripe seeds are used as a poultice on burns[222]. Some caution should be exercised here since the seed of most brassicas is rubefacient[K]. The root when boiled with lard is used for breast tumours[269]. A salve derived from the flowers is said to help skin cancer[269].

Known Hazards

None known