Mustard greens are often confused with collard greens, but they are different vegetables.
They have a very similar look and can be used interchangeably in many dishes, but their flavor profiles differ quite a bit.
Mustard greens have a strong mustard taste that is usually not found in other leafy green vegetables.
This blog post will discuss what do mustard greens taste like and how to cook them.
What are Mustard Greens?
Mustard greens are a leafy green vegetable often used in Asian cuisine, but many people do not know what they are.
Mustard Greens are members of the Brassica genus, which includes kale, collards, broccoli, cauliflower.
They have been used as medicine in China for thousands of years.
The greens are also known as “greens with attitude” because they are spicy when eaten raw but mellow out and become sweeter when cooked.
You can find these greens at most supermarkets and can also plant mustard seeds in your garden for a similar taste.
The greens usually take one to two months before they are harvested.
Health Benefits of Mustard Greens
Many people are unaware of the many benefits that mustard greens provide. Mustard greens are super low in calories, high in vitamin A and C, iron, calcium, folate, and B-vitamins.
Mustard greens also contain significant amounts of antioxidants as well as omega-three fatty acids, which can help protect against heart disease and cancer, according to Harvard University’s Center for Nutrition Policy And Promotion.
Studies have shown that eating leafy vegetables could significantly lower a person’s risk for death due to cardiovascular diseases or cancer by up to 20%.
It is an excellent source of antioxidants that may help fight free radicals that damage cells throughout the body, causing premature aging.
The greens are also rich in glucosinolates which may help prevent cancer by helping to detox carcinogens.
The best part about these nutritional benefits is that they can be enjoyed without sacrificing flavor.
Add some fresh mustard greens to your next meal or snack for added nutrients while still enjoying the delicious taste.
What Do Mustard Greens Taste Like?
Mustard greens are not just spicy but have a flavor that is similar to horseradish and wasabi.
They also have the same mild to medium spice level as kale or collards, making them an excellent addition for salads or side dishes cooked in various ways.
Depending on the age and where they are grown, mustard greens can carry a variety of flavors.
For example, some mustard greens may have an earthy flavor, while others might be slightly more peppery or tangy.
Raw mustard greens are very spicy and can be eaten in salads or cooked as a side dish.
Mustard green leaves usually have a mild flavor, but their stems tend to be spicier even when raw.
Dried mustard greens are sometimes used for seasoning foods such as soups and stews.
There is a bit of bitterness to the mustard greens, but this can be balanced with sweet fruit to counterbalance.
Do Mustard Greens Taste like Collard Greens?
As the seasons change, many different vegetables come into season. This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to try new things and have their palate expanded with the wonders of various flavors.
One question I am often asked incorrectly is whether Mustard Greens taste like Collard Greens?
You can cook these greens in similar ways, but they do have some distinct differences when prepared this way.
If you were cooking mustard greens, it would not take long before they became very soft if left on high heat, so keep them at medium-low or low heat to prevent overcooking from happening quicker than desired.
Mustard greens have a more pungent taste and are slightly more bitter. This is because they contain higher sinus levels, an organic compound that gives them their peppery flavor.
Collard greens are hardier than Mustards because you can cook them for more extended periods without the risk of overcooking or needing to add water.
How Do You Get the Bitterness Out of Mustard Greens?
I have been asked more than anything about how to get the bitterness out of mustard greens.
Mustard greens are one of those vegetables that can be a little bit intimidating to work with.
But it is not as hard as you might think to produce a dish that will make your taste buds sing in delight.
For those who grew up eating mild greens or come from a cuisine without spices, mustard greens may be very intense at first.
First, you want to make sure that you are purchasing mustard greens at the peak of freshness.
The leaves should be crisp and not wilted, yellowing or slimy.
If they come with stems, it’s best if they’re still firm and don’t snap when bent.
Add some salt to the water for cooking your mustard greens.
Cook until bright green and still crisp on both sides, usually about four minutes total time from start to finish.
Drain any excess liquid well, then add back some salt with lemon juice (or another citrus) and olive oil as desired, so their flavor is enhanced but without bitterness.
You can also use vinegar-based dressings like a balsamic vinaigrette that will balance the natural bitterness.
Blanching the greens is a less common way to remove the bitterness.
Blanching removes some of the nutrients from mustard greens, but it effectively eliminates any bitter taste, so they’re perfect if you want them as a side dish instead.
How to Cook Mustard Greens?
Mustard greens are often overlooked in the grocery store, but they’re a delicious and nutritious green that can be used in many different ways.
They’re not as bitter as other dark leafy greens like kale or collards, which makes them ideal for those who don’t enjoy the taste of salads made with spinach or arugula.
Wrapping the greens around a piece of meat and roasting the two together creates an exciting flavor that can be used in any meal.
One common way to cook mustard greens is by sautéing them, which can be done with a little bit of oil and garlic.
Another idea is roasting the leaves in the oven until they’re crispy; this way gives you a more intense flavor that’s great for adding crunch to salads or topping sandwiches.
Mustard greens are also delicious when steamed and tossed into soups like miso soup, chicken noodle soup, or lentil soup.
Add a few handfuls of freshly cooked mustard greens to the pot and continue cooking.
However, the easiest way to cook them is by boiling them in a large pot of water for about five minutes until they’re tender enough to eat.
The leaves will also turn bright green when this happens. Make sure to put them in cold water afterward to stop the cooking process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mustard greens are a very healthy vegetable that is easy to cook.
It can be boiled, stir-fried, or eaten raw in salads and sandwiches with leaves as the main ingredient.
I hope this article has helped you understand how amazing mustard greens taste and what they’re all about. Give them a try, and I bet you will love them.
About The Author
