Category: Leaf vegetables

Brassica oleracea var acephala Introduction: Collards are the same sub-species as Scotch kale, but differ in being more tolerant of hot weather (it is often a bigger plant too, with … Read More

Brassica oleracea var acephala Introduction: This cool season biennial is the most primitive of the cabbage family crops and isn’t far removed from the wild Brassica oleracea. It is not … Read More

Brassica rapa var chinensis This ancient Chinese crop has been grown for at least 2000 years and probably a lot longer. Since that time its use has spread throughout most … Read More

B. rapa var perviridis (or B. rapa var komatsuna) This Japanese plant is sometimes known as spinach mustard (or mustard spinach) because it is used like spinach, though it isn’t … Read More

Chrysanthemum coronarium Introduction: Shungiku is actually a species of Chrysanthemum (it is sometimes called Garland Chrysanthemum), though not a very showy one. It is native to the Mediterranean, where it … Read More

Introduction: The original salad mix was probably the French mesclun which originated in Provence and was a mix of lettuce, endive, arugala and chervil. In recent years the idea of … Read More

Introduction: Micro-greens are the seedlings of a variety of salad plants, gathered after they have formed their first true leaves. They bridge the gap between seed sprouts from the kitchen … Read More

Cichorium intybus  Introduction: This vigorous perennial has a history of cultivation dating back to the ancient Egyptians and has been especially popular as a salad plant in France, Belgium and … Read More

Nasturtium officinale Introduction: Watercress is native to Europe and adjacent parts of Asia and Africa. It is a highly nutritious plant and has been regarded as a special food for … Read More

Brassica juncea Introduction: This species is believed to be a hybrid of B. rapa and B. nigra. It has been most highly refined in China, where it is a very … Read More