Da Ping Pu (Brassica juncea)

Da Ping Pu (Brassica juncea): a tasty broad-leaved mustard. It is widely cultivated in Asia, especially in Korea, Japan and China. It is oftenly categorized as  a "big-hedad" mustard because of the shape the stalk takes as it grows. This variety gives its best as an autumn harvest. It prefers a little heat to germinate and during its early stages of growth, then it tolerates low temperatures well, autumn harvest brings its best qualities but it can also be grown in spring starting in seedbed. Cultivation,  like all sowing, is quite simple, although it must be said this mustard does not withstand drought well, it needs for the soil to always be moist: normally in autumn/winter, there is not such problem in spring; but in light of the droughts that occurred in Northern Italy in recent years, it must be taken into account.
 We have chosen it for its great versatility in the kitchen:  it can be used fresh, sautéed and, above all, fermented. Like the Kimchi. It is in high demand in traditional Asian restaurants.