If you have tried the mizuna, surely it has been through some salad. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that this is actually a variety of Japanese mustard. Be that as it may, it performs very well as a green sprout in the healthiest and most refreshing dishes, so it is a good addition to your garden.
In addition, it has a very beautiful aesthetic, so it is also an interesting addition to your garden or to the variety of plants that beautify your balcony. For this reason, we are going to tell you all the secrets to take good care of it and make it beautiful and delicious.
features of mizuna
Scientific name Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica, of course it is much easier to name it mizuna. It is a green leaves plant that we can include in the cruciferous family. Despite being native to Asia, its presence is increasingly common in orchards globally. Let's see some more details about her:
- Flavor and texture. Its green leaves have a smooth yet refreshing flavor, with a slight spicy touch. Its texture in the mouth is tender and crunchy, so we can take it both raw and in stews. In fact, its presence in Asian gastronomy is quite common, and in Europe we see it more and more in the typical bags of prepared salads.
- Leaf shape. This plant has leaves that are easily recognizable by their original shape. They are slightly jagged and remind us a bit of oak leaves. Although there are varieties whose leaves can be smooth and also narrower.
- Varieties. Not all mizunas are the same nor are they used in the same way in gastronomy. The varieties with thinner leaves are used in salads because they are more tender, while the broader leaves are more suitable for stews.
- Nutrients This green leafy plant is an interesting source of Vitamins C and K, as well as folic acid and calcium. It also has a high level of antioxidants and phytonutrients that are health benefits.
- Crop. As we are going to see below, the cultivation of this plant of Japanese origin is relatively easy, and it has a fairly high growth rate.
Complete guide to plant mizuna in the garden
This is not a very demanding plant in terms of care, but there are a series of prescriptions that you must take into account so that it is beautiful and grows quickly.
planting time
the mizuna prefers the cold. Therefore, it is best to plant it during the fall or in the early spring.mere weeks of spring. If you live in an area where winters are mild, you can plant it even in the dead of winter and you'll be enjoying its delicious buds sooner than you think.
Preparation of the land
This plant needs a well drained soil enriched with compost. If possible, it is better if the soil has a slightly acidic pH. If you create your own substrate, you make sure that your plant receives the nutrients it needs and has a soil adjusted to its preferences.
On the other hand, try to plant the mizunas in a place where they receive several hours of sunshine per day. They are plants that like cool, but not shady areas.
Sown
you can put the seeds directly in the ground or in a pot. In any case, bury them 1 cm deep, with a space of between 15 and 20 centimeters between plants, to ensure that they can grow without being disturbed.
As regards its disposition, can you plant mizuna in rows, as if it were lettuce, or in groups. It all depends on your preferences and the space you have available.
watering of the mizuna
This plant likes to have humidity, and it is convenient to establish a frequency of watering that does not let the soil dry out. This periodicity will depend on the time of year and the climate in the place where you live. Of course, try not to overdo it with watering, because too much humidity can favor the appearance of fungi and diseases.
On the other hand, Check that weeds do not grow around these plants, so you don't have to compete for water and nutrients.
Harvest
As we have previously commented, the mizuna grows very quickly. in some four to six weeks from sowing, you can have this variety of Japanese mustard ready to pick. In fact, you can consume the leaves as they grow and leave the inner leaves for the plant to continue to grow. With scissors, or simply with your hands, you can carefully remove the sheets you need at any time.
Benefits of having mizuna in your garden
If you plant this variety in your garden, you will always have at hand a vegetable that is known in Asian cuisine for its multiple properties. Not only is it very nutritious, but it has beneficial properties for our body at different levels.
- Rich in nutrients. We have pointed it out before, mizuna is rich in vitamins, folic acid, calcium, iron and potassium. It should be in any healthy and balanced diet, but especially in that of children, pregnant women and the elderly.
- Antioxidants. Its high content of carotenoids and flavonoids helps fight the action of free radicals, protecting against oxidative stress that is responsible for the premature aging of our cells.
- Low in calories. The green leaf of this plant has the quality of providing many nutrients and very few calories. Therefore, it is an ideal option for those who want to maintain their figure or are in the process of losing weight.
- Rich in fiber. Mizuna provides significant amounts of dietary fiber that promote digestion and intestinal transit.
- Cardiovascular ally. Some of its nutrients, such as vitamin K, promote cardiovascular health and help blood clotting.
Easy to grow, with a good flavor and extraordinary nutritional properties, mizuna is a variety that should not be missing in your garden. Did you already know her?