For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Wild Mustard (Raphanus raphanistrum)

Family Brassicaceae - the plant is also called Wild Radish
Raphanus raphanistrum is a annual growing to 1.2 m (4ft).

It is not frost tender. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees, flies.
Young leaves - raw or cooked. A somewhat hot taste, they are finely cut and added to salads or used as a potherb. It is best to use just the young leaves in spring, older leaves soon become bitter.

Seed - raw or cooked. A very pungent flavour, the seed can be ground into a powder and made into a paste when it is an excellent substitute for mustard. The sprouted seeds have a somewhat hot spicy flavour and are a tasty addition to salads.

Flowers - raw. A nice addition to salads. The flower buds are used as a broccoli substitute, they should be lightly steamed for no more than 5 minutes.

Young seedpods - raw. Crisp and juicy, they must be eaten when young because they quickly become tough and fibrous. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.