Description
Senapo (Mustard Greens) are robust, fast-growing leafy vegetables prized for their distinct flavour. They belong to the Brassica family, sharing the peppery bite characteristic of arugula (rucola) and radish.
Flavour & Texture: The leaves have a pleasant pungent, slightly bitter, and spicy flavour when raw. When cooked, the spice mellows significantly, becoming a hearty, earthy green. The leaves are tender in young plants but become tougher in maturity, requiring cooking.
Culinary Uses: Senapo is a staple in many traditional Italian regional dishes, particularly in the South, where it is treated as a healthy, robust side dish:
Sautéed (in padella): Typically boiled briefly and then sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of chilli pepper (peperoncino) until “toasted” or slightly browned.
Accompaniment: A classic pairing for rich meat dishes, especially pork sausages (Salsiccia e Senapo).
Pasta: Used as a sauce base or tossed with pasta.
Growing Guide:
Mustard greens are easy to grow and are highly adaptable, but they perform best as a cool-season crop to prolong the harvest before they bolt.
When to Plant: Like most brassicas, the best time to plant in Malta is from late autumn through winter (October–February). The cool weather improves the flavour and prevents premature bolting.
Heat Sensitivity: High heat will cause the plants to rapidly bolt (shoot up a flower stalk) and the leaves will become intensely bitter and tough. If planted in spring, harvest quickly before the summer heat arrives.
Location/Sun: Prefers full sun during the coolest months.
Soil: Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment. Drought stress can lead to a quick bolt and tough, overly bitter leaves.
Feeding: Mustard greens are less demanding than broccoli but will benefit from an application of balanced fertiliser to promote fast, tender leaf growth.
Harvesting:
Cut-and-Come-Again: You can start harvesting individual outer leaves once the plant is established. This method extends the harvest.
Whole Plant: Cut the entire plant at the base just before it begins to bolt (when a central stalk starts to emerge).
Flowers/Buds: The flower buds and tender shoots (similar to cime di rapa) are also edible and highly prized for their flavour.
Why Buy This Seedling? Senapo offers a distinctive, spicy flavour that provides a wonderful culinary alternative to spinach or chard. It is incredibly robust and easy to grow throughout the Maltese winter, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious, authentic Italian greens for your kitchen.
