• Origin: Himalayan region of India
• Varieties: Many including the very bitter Chinese mustard.
• Availability: All year round but they are at their peak in February - April. Mustard greens are sold in supermarkets either fresh or frozen.

Mustard greens are pleasantly sharp and appetizing vegetable related to the cabbage family. It compare favorably with other green, leafy vegetables in their nutritive content, this is the reason why it is one of the favorite vegetable in many countries around the world. All young, tender leaves of mustard greens is best used as salad leaves, while the older, tender leaves are used as cooked greens. To use their sharp flavor raw in salads, mix small leaves with other greens to balance their sharp flavor.

Nutritive Values: per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A: 6,460 I.U.
• Vitamin B: Thiamine .09 mg.;
• Riboflavin: .20 mg.
• Niacin: .8 mg.
• Vitamin C: 102 mg.
• Iron: 2.9 gm.
• Phosphorus: 38 mg.
• Potassium: 500 mg.
• Fat: .3 gm.
• Carbohydrates: 4 gm.
• Protein: 2.3 gm.
• Calories: 22

Health Benefits:

• Mustard greens contain nicotinic acid which is a preventive and cure for pellagra.

• Mustard greens may help prevent cancer in organ and glands lined with epithelial tissue due to its high vitamin A content.
• Mustard greens is useful in ridding off poisonous substances in the system.
• Mustard greens is valuable to pregnant women and for nursing mothers
• Mustard greens is used as a counter-irritant or as an ingredient of mustard plasters and stimulating liniments.
• Mustard is beneficial for kidney and bladder ailments
• Mustard is helpful in cases of bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube).
• Mustard greens is also beneficial to individual suffering from conditions like; anemia, asthma, arthritis, acidity, bruising, cataract, constipation, multiple sclerosis, rheumatism, stroke...

Buying and Storing tips:

• Look for dark green leaves that are crisp and fresh. Avoid those that are wilted and yellowing.
• Store them unwashed, wrapped in a damp paper towel placed in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. Fresh mustard greens will keep for up to a week.

Preparation tips:

• Wash mustard greens thoroughly by putting it on a colander and washing it under running water. Then cut or tear into bite-sized pieces.
• Because mustard greens has sharp flavor it should be combined with other leafy vegetables.