Mibuna, Mizuma
Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. It is an annual or biennial plant. It grows as a dense clump up to 50 cm high. The leaves are bright green and indented. They have long white stems. The flowers have four petals and are yellow. The fruit are "mustard" seed pods. Mibuna has smooth edges.

There are about 30 Brassica species and many cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They are frost tolerant. They will grow in most soils. They do best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soils. They need plenty of sun.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Hawaii, Japan, Pacific, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten. They have a fresh mustard flavour. They can be used in salads, soups, steamed dishes and stir-fries. The flowering stems can also be eaten.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

They grow easily from seed. Plants are thinned out to 25 cm spacing.

They can provide fresh seed year round. The outside leaves are harvested as soon as they are big enough. Whole plants can be cut after about 6 weeks.

Its other names

Local names

Kabuna, Kyona, Lamb's tongue mustard, Shui cai

Synonyms

Brassica japonica Makino, nom. illeg.; Brassica nipposinica L. H. Bailey; [or B. rapa Mizuna Group]