The Honest Dietitian's 2016 Favorites: Japanese Giant Red Mustard Greens

Chop up these Japanese Giant Red Mustard Greens to sauté as a side dish.

Not all greens are created equal. Growing up in Michigan, I did not have a lot of exposure to cooking greens as much as I have now that I live in the south.  I have always been a huge fan of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, especially their seed collections which helped me a lot when I moved south because the growing season is so different & wonderful. This year I planted Japanese Giant Red Mustard Greens and they easily became my favorite greens ever. The description on the seed package said "Strong Almost Garlic Like Mustard Flavor". The seeds grew strong and beautiful plants and at first bite, they had me hooked. To me, the flavor of the greens hinted more towards horseradish. We have used the greens in so many ways:

• The leaves provide a wonderful flavor and compliment to any sandwich but we all really enjoyed it on both tuna and chicken salad sandwiches. Let me tell you something- I don't think you really even need condiments on your sandwiches when you use these greens.
• We enjoyed the greens as a side dish when sautéed in olive oil
• These greens were awesome when put in as a substitute to the spinach in the Easy Egg Bake Recipe
• Lettuce Wraps
• Stir-Frys
• Chopped and mixed with romaine for a side salad
• Since the flavor is so deliciously strong, I actually used these in place of horseradish for a sausage and pepper dish and it was divine. 

Apparently, these greens are happiest in the cool spring or fall conditions. This is exciting to me as I plan my fall garden because the greens I planted in the springtime flourished all the way through the month of June in North Carolina. I intend on planting a whole bunch more of these because I want to have them on hand at all times.  That is how good these are. I also like how greens are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  If you want to add some pizazz to your veggie routine or spice up those sandwiches as the back to school grind begins, give these greens a try!

Use these delicious greens on sandwiches or for lettuce wraps.