Wild Turnip-Rape, Asian mustard

Brassica tournefortii

Physical Characteristics

Brassica tournefortii is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - E. Mediterranean to W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Shoots Edible Uses: Oil Leaves and young shoots - cooked[177, 183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[177, 183]. Edible Uses & Rating: All major parts—leaves, roots, and seeds—are edible, though their suitability varies by age and preparation. Young leaves: best in early winter as tender rosettes; edible raw or cooked. Roots: when young, juicy and mild; when old, woody and fibrous. Seeds: edible raw, toasted, or ground; mildly spicy, like mustard seed [2-3]. As a whole, B. tournefortii is a 4/5 survival resource for its abundance, caloric potential, and long availability, though the texture and flavor of mature leaves limit its culinary versatility. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Leaves taste mildly mustard-like when young, becoming increasingly sharp, hot, or even “fire-breathing” with age. Dense hairs give a raspy texture that softens with boiling. Even after cooking, some coarseness may persist. They’re best treated as potherbs—blanched or boiled and added to soups or beans. Roots, when fresh after winter rains, are thick, white, and mildly sweet with a crisp, turnip-like texture. They can be sliced, boiled, or roasted for a pleasant vegetable dish. Seeds can be toasted and ground to make a pungent mustard paste or seasoning. The flavor is rich and spicy without bitterness. However, seed quality declines rapidly once molds set in later in spring; only fresh, clean seedpods should be used [2-3]. Culinary Tip: Young rosettes (less than 15 cm across) have the best flavor and least hairiness. Older plants can be stripped of outer leaves and boiled twice to reduce heat and texture. Seasonality (Phenology): Germination follows autumn or early winter rains (November–January). Rosette stage: winter to early spring. Flowering: January to May, depending on rainfall and temperature. Seed maturation: March–June; seedpods may persist nearly year-round on dried plants. Dormancy: during hot, dry summers, plants die back but leave seed banks that germinate next season. In frost-free desert zones, plants can remain green year-round following periodic rain. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: Easily mistaken for other wild mustards (Sinapis arvensis, Eruca vesicaria, Raphanus sativus), but Sahara mustard is distinguished by its raspy leaves, dense desert growth, and short-beaked siliques. The flowers resemble those of wild radish but lack the purple or pink veining. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Desert dwellers and indigenous peoples of North Africa and the Middle East have long utilized B. tournefortii as a winter green and seed crop. In North America, foragers—both Native and settler—collected the young rosettes for cooking greens and ground seeds into pastes. Today, survivalists value it as one of the most dependable edible weeds of the Sonoran Desert. Overall Plant Summary: Sahara mustard is an invasive menace from an ecological standpoint but an edible boon for those who understand its timing and preparation. With mild roots, spicy greens, and abundant seeds, it is arguably the most productive wild edible of the American desert winter. Harvesting it responsibly—removing entire plants before seed set—both yields food and aids in controlling its spread.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Raspy hairs can irritate sensitive mouths or throats if eaten raw. Boiling or blanching mitigates this.